Austin Reaves has gone from undrafted afterthought to one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most important players in just three years. He’s carved out a role as a versatile scorer and secondary playmaker, earning the trust of LeBron James and Luka Doncic while quickly becoming a fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena.
But his rise has created a new problem for the Lakers: how long can they actually keep him?
Reaves is playing on a bargain deal — four years, $53.8 million — but his next payday is looming. NBA insiders like Jovan Buha have already suggested that the 26-year-old could command north of $120 million in his next contract, a number that would test the Lakers’ willingness to lock him in as part of their long-term core.
Michael Pina of The Ringer was blunt about the dilemma: “Austin Reaves is playing for a new contract and will either be too expensive or too shaky on defense to make sense beyond this season.”
Why the Lakers Might Have to Cash Out
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The Lakers love what Reaves brings — his three-level scoring, his toughness, his ability to run the offense when James sits. He averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season while shooting 46% from the field. Those are third-option numbers on a contender.
But Reaves isn’t a lockdown defender, and pairing him with Luka Dončić and an aging LeBron leaves holes on that end of the floor. With the West loaded and defense at a premium, the Lakers’ front office can’t afford to ignore those weaknesses.
That’s why some around the league believe Reaves might be better used as a trade chip rather than a long-term investment — especially if the right superstar hits the market.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo
The name floating around Lakerland? Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time MVP is still under contract with Milwaukee, but after multiple first-round flameouts since the Bucks’ 2021 title, speculation about his future has only grown louder. If the Bucks stumble again, Giannis could be the next superstar to explore his options — and if that happens, Reaves’ name will be the first one Milwaukee demands.
As Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints put it: “It’s almost a surefire thing that if the Lakers and the Bucks get into trade negotiations for Giannis, the first name… Milwaukee is going to ask about is Reaves.”
For Los Angeles, the decision would be agonizing. Reaves has openly said he wants to be a Laker for life, and his story resonates with fans. But a chance to pair Giannis with Dončić — and potentially extend LeBron’s window — is the kind of swing that defines franchises.
Austin Reaves And The Bigger Picture
The Lakers are already positioning themselves for flexibility. LeBron James holds a $52.6 million option next summer. The front office is protecting future draft picks and expiring contracts in case the right trade emerges.
Team president Rob Pelinka has said it outright: “We want to make smart moves, but to be in a position of flexibility versus being stuck is really promising for how we’re going to build this team moving forward.”
That flexibility could eventually mean keeping Reaves as part of a long-term core. Or it could mean moving him as the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo.
For now, Reaves is still a Laker. He’s still loved in Los Angeles. But as history has shown, when a superstar becomes available, loyalty often takes a back seat. And if Giannis ever hits the market, the Lakers may have to choose: the steady rise of Austin Reaves, or the chance to build their future around a generational talent.