The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 offseason expecting to keep Austin Reaves, but the guard’s future is not completely guaranteed. League executives believe Reaves is likely to remain in Los Angeles if the Lakers approach his next contract aggressively, but a smaller offer could open the door for rival teams to pursue him.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that “there’s a strong belief within league circles that if the Lakers offer Reaves close to or the full max, he’ll stay in Los Angeles.” However, Scotto added that if Los Angeles submits a lower offer, “Reaves will consider other offers, and the possibility of a sign-and-trade could also emerge.”
The Lakers’ financial strategy could become the deciding factor. Los Angeles has an exclusive negotiating window with Reaves before free agency begins on June 30, and the team reportedly wants to preserve flexibility by using his smaller cap hold before finalizing the rest of the roster moves.
That flexibility matters because Reaves has become one of the most important pieces around Luka Doncic. The 28-year-old guard averaged career highs of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games during the 2025-26 season while shooting 49.0% from the field, 36.0% from three-point range and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
His development changed the Lakers’ offensive structure. Reaves was no longer just a complementary scorer next to LeBron James and Doncic; he became a reliable creator who could handle the ball, attack closeouts and generate free throws. He averaged 6.3 attempts per game from the line while taking on a larger offensive role.
The Lakers finished 53-29, won the Pacific Division and earned the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. Their playoff run ended with a second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Reaves’ importance remained clear throughout the season.
Several teams with cap space are monitoring his situation. The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are among the reported suitors capable of making competitive offers, while the Brooklyn Nets are expected to aggressively pursue him with significant financial flexibility.
