With the Los Angeles Lakers shifting to offseason mode following the Oklahoma City Thunder's sweep at the expense, Austin Reaves has immediately become priority number one. This is the guy who will be handed the task of being Luka Doncic's number two in this new franchise era. That is, if the Lakers can keep him in town this summer.
Reaves has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27. The dollar value of that salary has been largely outplayed and the Lakers guard is pretty much guaranteed to opt out of that final year of his current contract in search of a new long-term deal. Luckily for Los Angeles, their star guard does not sound like the type to squeeze them for every penny.
“I don’t think about much. I take life day by day. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization. I play a kid’s game. I make good money. But like I said, I don't think about what I'm really gonna do in the future, kind of just day by day.”
His statement following the Game 4 loss does not come across as the type of attitude that screams demanding everything the Lakers can offer in free agency. If Reaves is at all open to taking less than what he could, Rob Pelinka has no reason to deny his star guard's return to Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves has all the makings of a Laker for life
Finances are going to be paramount for the Lakers in an offseason that needs to recalibrate the roster and turn it into a championship team. If Reaves is willing to work with the franchise to find a middle ground between a comfortable payday and a price that allows Los Angeles more room to operate, it would be the perfect scenario.
In his end-of-season interview on Tuesday, Pelinka reiterated that both sides have made it clear they want to see a reunion happen. Reaves has consistently stated his love for Los Angeles over recent years, and his close relationship with Doncic makes him a natural running mate for the future.
There might be some concerns about the playoff run this season, but the Lakers guard was always going to struggle a bit without Doncic available and coming off a quick return from his oblique injury. It was par for the course.
The rise of the 27-year-old to stardom has been one of the most enjoyable stories to watch unfold for Lakers fans. That love should be mutual. In a free agency class with few options better than Reaves, he could go really pick his spot and go just about anywhere. Reaves sounds happy where he is, though.
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