The Uncertainty Surrounding Austin Reaves on the Lakers

Austin Reaves is not usually the first name brought up in conversations about the Los Angeles Lakers, but he has been a key piece in recent seasons. Now, in the final year of his four-year, $54 million contract, the 27-year-old guard is surrounded by multiple trade rumors while continuing to show a significant impact on the court.

Reaves is coming off his best season in 2024-25, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.9 minutes across 73 regular season games. With a larger offensive role, he reached several career highs and established himself as one of the most productive shooting guards in the league. Still, the Lakers’ outlook is clouded by uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future and Luka Doncic’s consolidation as the long-term centerpiece.

His individual growth has made him a recurring name in trade scenarios. In recent weeks, he appeared in a mock trade with the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen, while also being linked to the Golden State Warriors as part of a possible solution to the Jonathan Kuminga situation (who ultimately stayed with the Warriors), as well as to other teams seeking perimeter reinforcements.

Reaves, for his part, has expressed publicly that he wants to remain in Los Angeles. He said he would like to play his entire career there, adding that he loves the city, the fans, the weather, and even the golf. He also called the Lakers the best organization in basketball. At the same time, he acknowledged that the decision is not his to make, and that the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, could move him if the right opportunity arises during the Luka Doncic era.

In just four years, Reaves has transformed into one of the most marketable players on the roster. Even if his future remains uncertain, what he has contributed to the Lakers already places him among the most highly regarded shooting guards in the NBA.