The saga of Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers has reached a pivotal crossroads, evolving from an undrafted success story into a high-stakes chess match involving massive contracts, superstar influence, and the franchise’s post-LeBron James vision. As Reaves enters a critical offseason, the rumors surrounding his future have intensified, particularly regarding his fit alongside the Lakers’ newest centerpiece, Luka Dončić.
According to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets have the salary cap space needed to accommodate a trade for Reaves, and both the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are believed to be interested although acquiring Reaves would require a few additional hurdles.
The Contract Dilemma: Betting on Himself
In June 2025, reports surfaced that Reaves officially declined a four-year, $89 million contract extension from the Lakers. While $89 million is a staggering sum for most, it represented the maximum Los Angeles could offer under current collective bargaining agreement restrictions. For Reaves, the decision was a calculated gamble. By declining the extension and entering the 2025-26 season on his current deal, he positioned himself to decline a $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, effectively making him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
This move underscores Reaves’ meteoric rise. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged career highs across the board—20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Industry experts now suggest that Reaves could command a salary upwards of $35 million to $40 million annually on the open market. For a player who started as an undrafted free agent, the prospect of a $150M+ total contract is a testament to his value as a modern, versatile NBA guard.
The Luka Dončić Factor
Perhaps the most significant development in Reaves’ tenure is his chemistry with Luka Dončić. Since Dončić’s arrival in Los Angeles, the two have formed a potent backcourt duo. Dončić has reportedly been vocal with the front office, expressing a strong desire to keep Reaves in a Lakers uniform “at all costs.”
The reasoning is tactical: Dončić thrives alongside secondary playmakers who can shoot and punish defenses for doubling him. Reaves fits the “Dallas 2.0” model perfectly, functioning much like Jalen Brunson or Kyrie Irving did during Luka’s deep playoff runs with the Mavericks. League sources indicate that Dončić even signaled he would be reluctant to see Reaves included in potential “megadeals” for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, believing that the chemistry they share is foundational to a championship pursuit.
Potential Landing Spots and Trade Rumors
Despite the Lakers’ desire to keep him, Reaves’ looming free agency has attracted several “vulture” teams. The Dallas Mavericks—the team Luka left behind—have long been rumored to have an interest in Reaves as a way to bolster their backcourt. Additionally, the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks have emerged as potential suitors.
If the Lakers feel they cannot meet Reaves’ projected $40 million annual price tag, a sign-and-trade becomes a distinct possibility. NBA insider Eric Pincus has noted that the Lakers may look to Utah, specifically targeting defensive anchors like Walker Kessler or even making another run at Lauri Markkanen, using Reaves as the primary trade chip to balance the roster’s defensive deficiencies.
The Critical Question: Is He a True No. 2?
While the Lakers’ brass and Luka Dončić are high on Reaves, former players like Jeff Teague have raised concerns. The debate centers on whether a backcourt of Dončić and Reaves provides enough defensive resistance to win a title. Critics argue that while Reaves is an elite complementary player, paying him “star money” ($40M/year) might prevent the Lakers from acquiring a third two-way superstar needed to truly contend in a loaded Western Conference.
As the 2026 offseason approaches, the Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: balancing the demands of a superstar (Dončić) with the harsh realities of the salary cap. Whether Reaves stays to build a legacy in Los Angeles or heads elsewhere for a massive payday, his journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in the NBA today.
