The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to re-sign Austin Reaves this offseason, with team president Rob Pelinka confirming both sides want a deal done before free agency begins on June 30. Despite concerns about Reaves' ability to defend against Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, internal sources say the Lakers are confident in their strategy to address the issue through other roster additions.
Reaves has been a key piece of the Lakers' success in recent seasons, emerging as a reliable two-way player. He averaged 10.9 points and 4.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 regular season while shooting 37.3% from beyond the arc. His cap hold is $20.9 million, giving the Lakers flexibility to make additional moves before finalizing a new contract.
Pelinka spoke directly about the situation, saying, "He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker. There's rules and timing to all of that, but I think both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here."
Sources indicate the Lakers view Reaves as a secondary playmaker who can complement Doncic by creating off the ball and generating his own shot. One team insider told ESPN that defensive concerns about the backcourt pairing are overstated, provided the Lakers bolster their wing and frontcourt depth.
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to offer Reaves a four-year deal worth $178.5 million, but the Lakers are determined to keep him. A Western Conference executive said, "You can't let a talent like that walk. That would be a disaster."
Reaves is also valued for his leadership. He is considered one of the most important voices in the Lakers' locker room and has played a key role in team culture and cohesion. His on-court production, combined with his intangibles, makes him a priority for Los Angeles.
With the June 30 free agency start date approaching, the Lakers have time to finalize a deal. Reaves' new contract is projected to exceed $40 million annually, but the team's commitment to retaining him is clear. The Nets are a strong contender, but the Lakers remain in the driver's seat with internal support and a clear vision for the future.
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