Austin Reaves is going to get his money after agreeing to a four-year, $185 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. What comes next has not been greatly altered in the process. It is still the Lakers' job to figure out how to build out the roster best around him and Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles is on the Doncic timeline. They told him this was the offseason they would show their dedication to building a contender for him. Retaining Reaves as the beloved second star beside Luka was always going to be a top priority given their excellent relationship.
They have done that. They also have the evidence needed to believe Doncic and Reaves are their clear foundation. Despite the issues of the roster last season, Luka and Austin had a net rating of 8.9 as a duo. Imagine what they could do with a well-fitted team around them.
That should be what the Lakers are telling themselves as they approach the start of free agency. Doncic and Reaves thrived under imperfect circumstances. What happens when Los Angeles improves and retools around them?
Finding the right fits around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is a must for the Lakers
The formula for building around Doncic and Reaves should not be too difficult to figure out. The rumored plan has long been to give Luka a similar structure to what he found success with as a part of the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers even started that effort by adding an athletic two-way wing in the form of Cameron Carr during the 2026 NBA Draft.
Clearly, the Lakers understand the need for athletes around those two. Even their UDFA pickups like Chase Ross and Robert McCray V are focusing on the commitment to adding that in bunches.
There is no guarantee either of those players makes the roster, though. That is why the Lakers need a continued focus on injecting their wing spots with athletic defenders who can also play off the ball on offense and convert the opportunites that both Doncic and Reaves can create on offense.
Strong shooting should be added among those wing players where possible too. Doncic and Reaves both love to do damage by attacking the basket. Having reliable outlet options around them matters.
After getting inconsistent rim defense for all of 2025-26, Doncic and Reaves will also need multiple guys in the frontcourt who can come in protect the paint behind them. Those centers must be willing pick-and-roll partners, too. That would give Los Angeles what should work around the star duo.
There should be no rocket science with what the Lakers' focus is in their retool. Los Angeles set themselves up for a soft overhaul in 2026. They need to make the most of it, giving Doncic and Reaves their best shot to lead the franchise to success moving forward.
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