Austin Reaves could very well be posting gaudy numbers on a team that does not have Luka Doncic and LeBron James ahead of him in the pecking order. That is not what the Los Angeles Lakers guard wants. Reaves has made it clear his main priority is to win.
Dan Woike of The Athletic focused on the upcoming contract decision for the talented offensive star in a recent write-up. Reaves did not want the easy path to a pay day. The 27-year-old reiterated his desire to stay in Los Angeles before dropping a very encouraging sentiment for anyone that might be reading in the Lakers front office.
Reaves said, "I feel like I could be an All-Star. But all of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka and LeBron. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m just going out chucking, getting numbers. If that’s the map for me to be an All-Star, I don’t care about that.”
Reaves followed that up by sharing his willingness to do what is necessary to win. If that meant being a third option, that was something that was alright with him. The priority was a chance to compete in the NBA Playoffs and challenge for an NBA championship. The soon-to-be fifth-year man explained he would take that over being an All-Star any day.
Austin Reaves is forcing the front office’s hand in the best way possible
Reaves has been in his fair share of trade rumors throughout his time in Los Angeles. Even now, that pattern still persists.
As inescapable and fun as it can be to play fantasy general manager at home, Rob Pelinka is ultimately the one calling the shots. For the Lakers President of Basketball Operations, the decision to pay Reaves is growing easier by the day.
The mentality shared by Reaves makes him sound like the ultimate team guy. The player who is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The star who can do whatever is asked of him. Those types of championship contributors are invaluable.
Reaves has already proven his willingness to do what is necessary before the 2025-26 NBA season has even started. JJ Redick just talked about his improved physique at the Lakers press conference last week.
Reaves proved Redick's comments true when he showed up at Lakers Media Day looking noticeably more muscular. Is it a coincidence this happens after the backcourt in Los Angeles fielded relentless punditry regarding their defensive fit together?
It would be easy to dismiss the matter as just that. However, it would be far more likely those critiques were heard and answered reliably by Reaves. That dedication and commitment makes him exactly the type of player worth paying up for.