We just reported earlier today that LeBron James is likely to opt in to his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers by the June deadline, keeping him under contract and avoiding free agency. That will answer one question for the Lakers and allow them to look towards the future.
The other big question involves Austin Reaves. We know that the Lakers organization loves Reaves and has stated implicitly multiple times that they have no intention of trading him and view him as a cornerstone in their long-term plans.
That being said, does Reaves want to remain a Laker or will he test the free agent market next offseason?
Will Austin Reaves Remain With Los Angeles Lakers After This Season?
While the Lakers have no desire to include Austin Reaves in trade packages, it may end up being in their best interest if he intends to hit the free agent market in 2026.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report:
“Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range. The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he’d re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn’t be technically legal or binding.”
If this does indeed have the potential of happening, then the Lakers will want to strike the iron while it is hot and get the most from Reaves as possible.
There is the thought that he still gives the team the best shot at winning a title next year, so it would be worth keeping him, even with the risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
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However, there is another line of thinking that this team will never win a championship without adding a capable big man. The free agent center market is pretty weak this offseason, so adding a championship-caliber piece may require a trade.
Reaves would almost undoubtedly have to be one of the assets involved if the Lakers are to go after any of the big names.
With the limited draft capital that the Lakers have, it is going to be tough to swing anything, regardless, but without Austin Reaves in the mix, they will be pretty limited to the free agent market.
Thoughts, Laker Nation?