Latest news with #AustinReaves
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report
Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The biggest storyline for the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season was the blockbuster midseason trade that brought Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. This move paired Doncic with LeBron James, creating a formidable duo to strengthen the Lakers' championship aspirations. Advertisement Following the trade, the Lakers experienced a surge in performance, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, with a 50-32 record. Doncic's integration into the team transformed the Lakers into a hopeful championship contender, but their run ended in the first round. While much focus was placed on the Doncic-James duo, these two stars had a high-level third option in Austin Reaves. Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James (23) and Luka Doncic (77).Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 points this past season, and has been a topic of discussion since LA was eliminated. While trade rumors have surrounding the rising star, especially as the Lakers seek an upgrade at center, Dan Woike of the LA Times reported last month that Reaves is not expected to be moved unless the Lakers get an "impossibly good offer" for him. Advertisement Just two weeks after this report, Doncic appearance on James' and Steve Nash's Mind the Game podcast. Among other things, Doncic specifically brought up Reaves, being sure to include him in a discussion about the growing chemistry between LA's best players. "I've never played with a guy like this," Doncic said of James before bringing up Reaves. "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." This message from Doncic adds more merit to the report from Woike that Reaves is not expected to be moved this offseason. Doncic highlighting Reaves as part of a "work in progress" trio that includes he and James certainly feels notable. Advertisement Statistically, Doncic maintained impressive numbers in LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game since joining the Lakers. While there have also been rumors about James' and Doncic's future with the Lakers, LA's front office has maintained its commitment to building a roster that complements the duo. Related: Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Insider on how much money Austin Reaves could seek on his next deal
Los Angeles Lakers fans seem divided on whether the team should keep guard Austin Reaves or look to trade him in order to become a true championship contender. While he took another step forward this season in terms of his production and overall game, he played poorly in the postseason, and his weaknesses remain. What makes such a decision more complicated for the Lakers is the fact that he has a player option for the 2026-27 season. That means that if they want to keep him, they can either give him a contract extension sometime soon or let him enter free agency next summer and bid against other teams. Advertisement According to Bleacher Report insider Eric Pincus, Reaves will decline that player option and look for a new deal worth a lot more than his current one. Via Bleacher Report: "Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range," Pincus wrote. "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number." There are Lakers fans who are hoping Reaves gets shipped out for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could become available this summer, in order to give the team three legitimate superstars. But it is unknown whether the team would seriously consider going after Antetokounmpo or instead seek to add a starting-level center and surround LeBron James and Luka Doncic with depth and athleticism, whether Reaves is or isn't a part of such a roster. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Insider on how much money Austin Reaves could seek on his next deal
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin Reaves Expected To Demand Nearly $30 Million In Next Contract
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been one of the key players for the team in the past few seasons. Seamlessly fitting into the role of the third star on most occasions, Reaves has grown and developed into an invaluable asset. A main reason why Reaves has so much value for the team is that he has routinely outplayed his contract. His previous contract extension saw him on a four-year, $53 million deal. Given how his earnings increased with each season, Reaves is due to earn a bit below $14 million next season. Advertisement The 2026-27 season is where concerns arise for the Purple and Gold. The 26-year-old has a player option for the final year of his contract. Although he can opt in and accept just below $15 million for the season, there is a greater likelihood that he will opt out and test the waters of free agency, as per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. He said: "Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range." "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he'd re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn't be technically legal or binding." Advertisement The demand for Austin Reaves has skyrocketed over the past few seasons. The young star has displayed an innate ability to single-handedly revitalize his team's offense when he is on the floor. Whether this is through his scoring or playmaking ability, his impact on the offensive end is undeniable. The 2024-25 season was a fruitful one for the guard from a performance point of view. Reaves recorded an average of 20.2 points per game, a massive step up from his average of 15.9 points the previous season. Given that he had embraced a bigger role for the team, he also saw a subsequent rise in his rebounding and assists numbers, averaging 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 46.0% FG. The arrival of Luka Doncic on the Lakers meant that Reaves would take on a reduced role, since the Slovenian does more of the same thing that he does. But the guard duo made for a solid backcourt combination for the Lakers to close out the regular season. Unfortunately, Reaves' stock took a hit in the playoffs after a series of relatively underwhelming outings. While considering that he was playing with a toe injury, this is understandable. But the Lakers' guard still took accountability for the poor performances, leading to a 4-1 loss to Minnesota in the first round. Advertisement Regardless, the Lakers' concerns for retaining Reaves next summer will be justified. With rumors speculating that LeBron James may return on a two-year, $105 million deal, the Purple and Gold may not be able to afford Reaves if he demands a $30 million contract. Reaves' value on the trade market has also seen him mentioned in several trade rumors in the offseason. Considering that the Lakers are making a play to become title contenders immediately, a trade package including Reaves may be the best way of ensuring that the team lands a superstar in this context. Related: Austin Reaves' Agent Sends Strong Message Amid Trade Rumors: "You Have No Idea What's Coming"
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Receive Stern Warning Amid Austin Reaves Trade Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers are entering an extremely important offseason for the future. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the way, the front office will need to build a roster better suited to play alongside them. In the playoffs, the Lakers struggled defensively. They also clearly needed a legitimate starting center. Both of those issues will need to be addressed. One major rumor that has been swirling is that Austin Reaves may need to be moved to make the necessary improvements. Reaves is coming off of a career season in 2024-25 and moving him would be a tough pill to swallow for Los Angeles. Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on February 01, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on February 01, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo byReaves played in 73 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 20.2 points per game to go along with 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from beyond the three-point line. Read more: Lakers Trade Rumors Spark Fiery Reaction From Austin Reaves' Agent While the rumors are swirling around the 26-year-old guard, Los Angeles has received a strong warning about considering trading him. CBS Sports analyst Robby Kalland does not think the Lakers should trade him for multiple reasons. "It starts with basketball reasons for not trading Reaves, which leads with his ability to create for himself and others," Kalland wrote. "Having a secondary on-ball threat alongside Dončić and James is vital, especially come playoff time when defenses ratchet up their pressure." He continued on, talking more about why having Reaves on the roster is so important for Los Angeles from a pure business perspective. "From a business perspective, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to trade Reaves right now because there aren't many players out there who give you more production for the money Reaves is making," Kalland wrote. "You could find some guys on rookie deals who do (and none of them are available in a trade), but for a player on his second contract, Reaves at just shy of $14 million next season is a steal." Read more: Paul George Makes Huge Prediction Amid Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors Those arguments are both sound. However, the Lakers may need to get creative in order to become a serious NBA Finals contender. Los Angeles will be one of the most intriguing teams to follow throughout the offseason. Rob Pelinka has a lot of work to do and he won't have a ton of financial room to make those moves. Trading Reaves could be one way to upgrade the roster. All of that being said, trading Reaves could also end up being a massive mistake. For more Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider on how much money Austin Reaves could seek on his next deal
Los Angeles Lakers fans seem divided on whether the team should keep guard Austin Reaves or look to trade him in order to become a true championship contender. While he took another step forward this season in terms of his production and overall game, he played poorly in the postseason, and his weaknesses remain. What makes such a decision more complicated for the Lakers is the fact that he has a player option for the 2026-27 season. That means that if they want to keep him, they can either give him a contract extension sometime soon or let him enter free agency next summer and bid against other teams. According to Bleacher Report insider Eric Pincus, Reaves will decline that player option and look for a new deal worth a lot more than his current one. Via Bleacher Report: "Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range," Pincus wrote. "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number." Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle There are Lakers fans who are hoping Reaves gets shipped out for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could become available this summer, in order to give the team three legitimate superstars. But it is unknown whether the team would seriously consider going after Antetokounmpo or instead seek to add a starting-level center and surround LeBron James and Luka Doncic with depth and athleticism, whether Reaves is or isn't a part of such a roster.
