Austin Reaves has firmly positioned himself as a crucial player for the Los Angeles Lakers, transforming from an undrafted rookie into a reliable guard known for his sharp shooting and strong basketball instincts. Throughout four seasons, he has earned admiration for his tireless effort and positive energy, becoming a fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena. Despite circulating trade rumors after the Lakers’ recent playoff exit, Reaves made it clear he aims to stay in Los Angeles for the long haul.
At the Reaves Brothers Basketball Camp, Reaves openly shared his intentions with Charles McCary of K8 News:
I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it there … I don’t pay attention to [the trade rumors]. I keep my head down work… And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball.
—Austin Reaves, Lakers Guard
He further explained his focus on hard work rather than distractions, stating,
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, Lakers Guard
Reaves’ Rising Value Following Career-Best Performance
The 2024-25 season marked a high point for Reaves, as he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 46 percent from the field. This significant improvement secured him fifth place in the Most Improved Player voting, sparking dialogue about his growing role on the team. His proficiency in creating plays, spacing the floor, and delivering when it counts could make him an essential complement to superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the upcoming season.
Despite Lakers insiders like Dan Woike from the LA Times suggesting Reaves would likely remain with the franchise, there have been contrasting opinions, including Bill Plaschke advocating for a trade. However, Reaves’s open loyalty and on-court production strengthen his chances of staying a consistent presence in Los Angeles.
Potential Impact on Lakers’ Future Dynamics
Reaves’s commitment to the Lakers signals a desire for stability and chemistry within the roster, especially alongside the star duo of James and Doncic. Given his upward trajectory and the trust he has earned, Reaves is positioning himself as a vital third scoring option for the Lakers moving forward. If the team emphasizes continuity after a disappointing playoff run, maintaining Reaves could prove pivotal to their competitiveness in the seasons ahead.