Austin Reaves Reveals Career Plans with Lakers
Austin Reaves is emerging as a star in the NBA. From going undrafted to becoming one of the best offensive options in the league, Reaves has taken major strides each year in his young career. This last season was his best yet as he averaged 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and nearly six assists.
He is the clear third-best player behind future Hall of Famers Luka Doncic and LeBron James and is taking advantage of his role.
However, after a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, there is a glaring need at center for the Lakers, and because of that, a lot of trade rumors have been swirling. As the Lakers’ best trade asset, Reaves is in the majority of those rumors.
When Reaves was asked about the speculation, he said, “I don’t pay attention to it. I keep my head down work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.”
Austin Reaves 2024-25 bag work pic.twitter.com/XtR2hUPL9b
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) June 21, 2025
Austin Reaves Wants to Remain with Lakers
Reaves is a vital contributor to this Lakers team, and he wants to continue that for the rest of his NBA career. He said in the same interview, “I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball.”
This is encouraging as a Lakers fan to hear that one of their best players wants to be here long term despite the rumors and drama.
Reaves is eligible for an extension this summer but is widely expected to decline the maximum offer of four years, $89 million that the Lakers can offer him. He will likely decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent next summer when he can sign a bigger deal with the Lakers or another team.
It will be intriguing to see the direction the Lakers end up going in a crucial offseason. They will undoubtedly show Reaves how much they value him and his contributions.
The Lakers have a three-headed monster on the offensive end with Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves, but each player also struggles at times on the defensive end. Rob Pelinka will have his hands full as he tries to fill the holes on the roster while also retaining their core.
