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Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
The Lakers could lose an important element in Austin Reaves, notably due to contract negotiations. Luka Doncic, meanwhile, has made clear his preference for the player’s future.
After yet another playoff failure, the Lakers are looking for ways to improve their roster for next season. The recruitment of a pivot seems to be a priority given the roster’s shortcomings, while a winger and a point guard could be useful in the City of Angels. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are expected to be consulted for future moves.
Another soap opera is also exciting the crowds in Los Angeles: that of Austin Reaves. Author of some great statistics this season, he also completely disappeared in the playoffs, which disappointed many fans. So for some, it’s time to trade him, even though he may have reached his limit as a player.
A possible departure for the Lakers? Luka Doncic against it
This is all the more important given that Reaves could waive his option in the summer of 2026 to command a new contract instead by becoming a free agent. This will force the Purple and Gold to make a financial effort to keep him, with a salary evoked in the 30/35 million range per season. That’s a lot of money, and it scares a lot of people, given his performances.
The Lakers clearly have a choice to make regarding Reaves, who wants to stay in Los Angeles and can count on the support of his teammates. Doncic is his first fan, who has “never played with anyone like him” in his own words on the LeBron James podcast. Quite a speech, and an indirect message to the front office.
Luka Doncic sur Austin Reaves : “I’ve never played with a guy like this. Just being traded to LA; it was different… [Us] two out there and [Austin Reaves], who’s been playing unbelievable. I still think it’s a work in progress.”
But for that to happen, Reaves will have to be retained by the franchise and not traded. That’s unlikely to happen this summer, but it could happen at the deadline or in the summer of 2026, perhaps with a sign-and-trade. AR15 remains an interesting player, but at almost 40 million a season, I’m not sure it’s the best possible deal.
