The Los Angeles Lakers face potential roster changes as star player Austin Reaves’ future with the team remains uncertain. With LeBron James possibly opting out of his contract after this season, the Lakers could free up significant salary cap space, which might impact Reaves’ standing. Despite Reaves becoming a free agent after the 2026-27 season and expected to command a substantial salary increase, there are growing doubts about whether he will stay in Los Angeles.
The rising value of Austin Reaves could entice other teams to offer him a more lucrative deal, making it difficult for the Lakers to retain him if they cannot match the offers. This uncertainty places the Lakers in a challenging position as they consider their options moving forward.
Insights from Michael Piña on Reaves’ Potential Departure
NBA insider Michael Piña, writing for The Ringer, suggests Reaves might not be part of the Lakers beyond the next season. He explained:
“Austin Reaves is playing for a new contract and will either be too expensive or too shaky on defense to make sense beyond this season,”
Piña’s analysis highlights the balancing act the Lakers must perform between Reaves’ offensive talent and defensive limitations. If Reaves signals an intention to leave, the Lakers would likely explore trade possibilities for him before he departs as a free agent to avoid losing an asset without compensation.
Reaves’ offensive skills stand out, as he is capable of scoring from all areas on the court and has enhanced his playmaking abilities. These traits increase his value as a potential trade asset, despite concerns regarding his defense.
Why the Lakers Might Consider Parting Ways with Reaves Soon
After his current contract expires, Reaves is expected to attract more lucrative offers from other NBA teams, making re-signing in Los Angeles less likely. Although Reaves has expressed fondness for the Lakers and the team’s roster, financial incentives from elsewhere may outweigh personal preferences.
Last season, Reaves demonstrated significant improvement, posting career-best statistics, including averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. His shooting percentages were also impressive: 46 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from three-point range. These performances underscore why his market value is rising sharply.
The Wider Impact on Lakers’ Future Roster Decisions
With potential changes involving LeBron James and Austin Reaves on the horizon, the Lakers face key decisions about maintaining a competitive roster. Reaves could represent one of their most valuable trade pieces if the team chooses to prioritize cap flexibility and defensive stability.
How the Lakers address these challenges will shape their ability to contend in upcoming seasons. Observers will be watching closely to see if Reaves stays or moves on after 2025, and how this move ties into LeBron James’ own contract decisions affecting the team‘s salary structure.