Latest news with #PurpleandGold
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"
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Brian Windhorst on whether LeBron James will leave Lakers this summer
Brian Windhorst on whether LeBron James will leave Lakers this summer One of the first things the Los Angeles Lakers need to do this summer is get an answer from LeBron James on what he plans to do with his basketball career moving forward. He has a player option for next season, and he can either play on it or opt out and sign a slightly longer new contract. Of course, he could also decide to leave the Lakers or simply retire, but many, if not most, expect him to be back next season and to be wearing a Purple and Gold uniform. However, things have clearly shifted for the franchise after it acquired Luka Doncic, as its priority is now to build a team for and around Doncic rather than James. Brian Windhorst, who has covered James for over 20 years, is one of those who doubts the 40-year-old superstar is going anywhere. He said on "The Dan Patrick Show" that he sees James staying put. "I would never cement it just because the Lakers are pivoting a little bit now," Windhorst said. "Not a little bit. They've pivoted to Luka. And so that makes their medium-term future a little bit harder to predict, but LeBron has demonstrated repeatedly, time after time after time, his priority is to be a Laker and to live in Los Angeles. "Unless the Lakers did something to him to change the way he feels about them, which is not their MO, I don't see that happening." James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game this season. Barring a major injury, he clearly seems to have quite a bit left in his tank and can probably continue to play at or near his current level for at least one more season. He reportedly did suffer a sprained MCL in L.A.'s final playoff game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves a few weeks ago, but it isn't expected to hamper his offseason training regimen or his plans moving forward.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LeBron James' Pregame Outfit for Lakers Game Costs Over $3,000
LeBron James brought the heat in the NBA playoffs even before the Los Angeles Lakers went head-to-head with the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. The NBA star showed how tunnel fit is done, showcasing his sleek and head-turning personal style. Advertisement In a post shared by the Lakers' official Instagram account, the basketball icon arrived at Arena wearing an outfit worth over $3,000. James' pregame outfit featured a Louis Vuitton monogram zippered blouson in beige. The $3,100 jacket is made from a cotton-silk blend and includes pearl-effect snap buttons for added detail. The Lakers forward kept his look tonal with beige pants and everything in neutral tones with his white Air Force 1 shoes. James was also spotted in dark rectangular glasses and carried a clutch, which seemed to be the Louis Vuitton wallet trunk in Damoflage animation. Aside from the 40-year-old superstar, fellow teammates Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura and more kept their pregame outfits simple and very casual. Advertisement Meanwhile, fans couldn't help but gush over the four-time NBA champion's sleek and stylish tunnel fit. 'Bron's outfit is [fire]' a fan said. 'Cool outfit, Bron,' a follower mentioned. 'The way LeBron walks is so tuff,' a social media user wrote about the NBA star's undeniable aura. A different fan noticed the same and added 'The King has come.' LeBron James during the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game. © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images James joined the starting lineup alongside Hachimura, Reaves, Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith. Unfortunately, the Lakers ended up losing to the Timberwolves, 103-96, officially eliminating the Purple and Gold franchise from the playoffs. Related: Fans Noticed the Same Thing About Luka Doncic's Pregame Outfit for Lakers-Bulls
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I Wish He Was A Laker" - Magic Johnson Shares True Feelings About Kevin Durant That Purple And Gold Fans Will Like
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson recently showed love to Kevin Durant and congratulated him for winning the Magic Johnson Award. In the process of praising Durant on X, Johnson also tweeted about how he wished to see the Phoenix Suns star don the Purple and Gold. "Congratulations to the 2-time Magic Johnson Award winner Kevin Durant. I'm so excited Kevin Durant won this award because is he always so gracious to the media and fans, I love his game, who he is as a man, and all the great community work that he's doing in the DMV area with the youth. Kevin is an outstanding entrepreneur and a big Commanders fans. I wish he was a Laker! lol." Advertisement The Magic Johnson Award is handed out to players who not only excel on the court, but also graciously carry themselves with media and fans. Durant's work off the court with the community certainly caught the eye of the Lakers legend. However, the idea that Johnson presented of seeing Durant step on the court while wearing the Lakers' purple and gold is truly an interesting one for the fans. The Phoenix Suns forward has been one of the most interesting players to follow over the last few years. Having skipped across the league in an attempt to be a part of a contending side, the forward is expected to be on the lookout for another place to call home in the summer. Among the trade rumors linking Durant with different teams, the Houston Rockets are the team that has presented the most viable package to acquire. But it wouldn't be out of the question for the Lakers to make Johnson's wish come true. Landing Kevin Durant Presents An Impossible Challenge For The Lakers The notion of the Los Angeles Lakers landing Kevin Durant seems borderline ridiculous at first glance. Given the current state of the team's salary cap since acquiring Luka Doncic, it is clear that the team is in need of offloading salaries rather than taking on a bigger one. Advertisement However, a team featuring LeBron James, Doncic, and Durant as the big three is certainly a fantasy for some fans. In light of this, we aimed to formulate a trade package that could bring the Suns forward over to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles. Proposed Trade Details Phoenix Suns Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kevin Durant While such a trade could work on paper, the Lakers would face devastating consequences throughout their season. With effectively no backup power forwards, playmakers, or wing defenders, the Purple and Gold would be spiraling to the bottom of the West. Advertisement Additionally, considering the shortage of draft capital the Lakers have, giving up more would simply force the team to rely on expiring contracts and free agents to build their roster for future campaigns. Meanwhile, the Suns would benefit from acquiring a blend of young and veteran talent. This trade would effectively reset the Suns' rebuild and turn them into a competitive side again. Related: Lakers Might Land 'Shot-Blocker And Lob-Threat' Center In New Trade Idea
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers and Luka Doncic will reportedly play the Mavericks in the 2025 preseason
Lakers and Luka Doncic will reportedly play the Mavericks in the 2025 preseason Luka Doncic's return to American Airlines Center, his old stomping grounds before the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers three months ago, in April was an emotional game. The Lakers emerged victorious by a final score of 112-97, and Doncic dropped 45 points on 16-of-28 overall shooting and 7-of-10 from 3-point range, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. The game also got outstanding ratings. It was reportedly the most-watched NBA game on ESPN to that point of the season, excluding Christmas Day, as well as the most-watched television program that day across several key demographic groups. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the two teams will go at it again this October during the preseason schedule, this time in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has long been one site that regularly hosts Lakers preseason games, which has given Purple and Gold fans outside of the Southland a chance to see their favorite team in person. By the time the Lakers play the Mavs in that exhibition contest, they may have a complete roster that will be fully capable of winning the NBA championship. They will look to upgrade their center rotation, as well as their guard and wing depth, this offseason, and building a team for and around Doncic in particular appears to be their top priority moving forward. Doncic can opt out of his current contract in the summer of 2026, so showing him that they're committed to helping him finally win it all is job one for the Lakers.
