Austin Reaves understands the value of immaculate timing. Underwhelming playoff showing in a premature exit from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, persistent trade rumors, contract year — how does the Los Angeles Lakers guard respond? He does so by leveling up.
Reaves has been on the shelf for a while, reaggravating his calf injury during a Christmas Day loss against the Houston Rockets. That should not allow anyone forget just how great his individual quality was before the ailment. The 27-year-old has been so good that it has made him cozy and settled ahead on the NBA trade deadline. Jake Fischer touched on the matter during a recent livestream.
"I don't think the Lakers are involved with Trae Young whatsoever," Fischer said ahead of the Washington Wizards trade. "And I don't think the Lakers have any interest in trading Austin Reaves either."
Reaves has made himself downright indispensable for the Lakers this season, given his malleability. Barring a stunning development involving someone of Giannis Antetokounmpo's stature, the Lakers guard should be safe and secure right where he is in Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves has quietly become a non-negotiable trade piece for the Lakers
Not only should Reaves be comfortable in his seat through the trade deadline, but there is even more reason to believe the Lakers are truly in it for the long haul with him. The Athletic's Sam Amick detailed why during a recent appearance on Run It Back for FanDuel TV.
Amick said, "The plan is Jeanie [Buss] is still the governor of that team. And I bring that up because she’s the captain of the Austin Reaves fan club. ... But right now, all signs point to them finding a way to pay Austin that massive amount that’s coming his way this summer."
The NBA insider noted Rob Pelinka is in a similar spot with his affinity as well. Amick did admit Mark Walter's viewpoint is unknown and could play a factor in the decision-making process at some point. However, as things stand, the Lakers guard is in good shape. Why wouldn't he be?
Before the injury, Reaves was averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. The former undrafted guard was shooting 50.7 percent from the field, 36.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 87.3 percent from the free throw line.
Supplanting LeBron James as the second option, even when he is 41 years old, is no small feat. That being said, Reaves has proven himself more than effective no matter his spot in the pecking order. That's part of the appeal.