Los Angeles Lakers fans may have to brace themselves. Rising star guard Austin Reaves, who has flourished in 2025 with career-high scoring and playmaking numbers, could attract major attention in next summer’s free agency.
“AR’s a Stud”
One NBA executive, speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, did not mince words about Reaves’ potential impact: “AR’s a stud. If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce.”
Reaves, 27, has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27, but his current production is pushing his market value far higher. Through nine games this season, he is averaging 30.3 points on 48 percent shooting, along with 5.1 rebounds and nine assists per game. His breakout includes back-to-back 50- and 40-point performances against Sacramento and Portland.
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Nets Eyeing a Star
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Brooklyn could emerge as a serious player for Reaves. The team is projected to have roughly $11 million in cap space next year, but that could expand if it moves Michael Porter Jr.’s $40.8 million expiring salary. With a 1-10 record, the Nets are looking to reverse years of playoff disappointment and may be motivated to land a marquee player who can lead their rebuild.
Reaves’ skill set makes him particularly appealing: he thrives when given the freedom to orchestrate an offense. Only a few teams in the league can promise a player of his caliber the chance to be the primary option — and Brooklyn has that temptation.
Lakers’ Retention Challenges
Los Angeles reportedly offered Reaves a four-year, $89.2 million extension last offseason, which he declined, signaling a desire for a longer-term, higher-value deal. While Reaves has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, teams like the Nets could present offers that are difficult to ignore.
The Lakers face a key question: can they retain a player who has grown into a reliable scoring and playmaking option while navigating the evolving roster around LeBron James and the uncertain long-term picture? Reaves’ continued ascent makes him both a cornerstone and a potential target for other franchises willing to spend big.
What’s Next
If Brooklyn aggressively pursues Reaves, the Lakers may be forced into a high-stakes negotiation this offseason. Keeping a player of his caliber could be crucial to maintaining competitive balance in Los Angeles, but failing to do so could see a rising star become the face of a Nets rebuild — leaving Lakers fans to ponder what might have been.