The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Austin Reaves remain motivated to find a contract deal next summer, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Despite this shared determination, recent reports from Dan Woike of The Athletic reveal that Reaves declined a four-year, $89.2 million contract extension offer in the past week. This development threatens to slow critical negotiations that the Lakers must prioritize.
Securing Reaves, 27, is essential for the Lakers given his emergence as a key contributor. After posting a career-best season, where he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 37.7 percent from three-point range, Reaves has proven his offensive value. The organization’s focus on finalizing his contract signals their awareness of his importance to the squad’s future-facing plans.
Challenges in Filling the Center Position
The Lakers continue to face a glaring need for a reliable center, a situation compounded by the recent trade of Anthony Davis, who often struggled to fulfill that role effectively. A failed attempt to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams only highlighted the team’s center search difficulties. Without a solid big man, the Lakers struggle to compensate for the offensive limitations of both Reaves and Luka Dončić, a gap that directly impacts their quest for another NBA title.
Adding a center remains a pressing priority, but this should not overshadow the necessity of securing long-term assets like Reaves. The Lakers do have options to pursue a center by offering draft picks or promising young players, such as Dalton Knecht, but this should not divert attention from locking in their emerging star guard.
Austin Reaves as a Cornerstone Beyond LeBron James’ Era
LeBron James’ tenure with the Lakers is inevitably limited as he approaches the twilight of his career. Once James departs, the franchise will require reliable scoring and playmaking options beyond Luka Dončić—if they manage to retain him beyond his 2026-27 player option. Reaves represents one of the few proven players ready to produce consistently at a high level and carry the load during this transitional period.
Allowing Reaves to either walk or be traded would leave the Lakers dangerously thin in offensive depth and leadership. As a dependable workhorse on the floor, Reaves consistently contributes offensively while managing crucial minutes, making him an irreplaceable asset for a team with limited immediate prospects.
Balancing Center Acquisition With Contract Priorities
The Lakers’ need for a strong center is undeniable, but this necessity should not delay or diminish efforts to finalize Reaves’ extension. The team can still negotiate for a valuable center by offering draft assets without risking the stability that Reaves provides. Prioritizing Reaves’ contract offers the Lakers a firmer foundation to build around, especially given their uncertain prospects beyond LeBron James’ eventual retirement.
In the short term, getting Reaves locked into a favorable deal must be at the forefront, ahead of addressing Dončić’s situation or chasing costly center trades. The alternative risks creating even more instability within a roster already facing significant transition and limited depth.