Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

'He’s Been the Best Player in the Gym' – Los Angeles Lakers Guard Has Stood Out for JJ Redick This Offseason

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 10:51 AM ET

Austin Reaves has improved year after year since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22. And according to head coach JJ Redick, the best may be yet to come from Reaves, as the 27-year-old combo guard has been working his butt off this offseason.

“Every day that he’s been in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym. His body is really good right now. He’s really strong. His burst, his athleticism. It’s evident that he spent a lot of time working on his body this summer,” Redick said about Reaves via Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports.

Reaves is coming off his best year in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, having averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals on 46.0 percent shooting from the field across 73 regular season starts.

Mar 29, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) drives to the basket between Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Much has been said about Reaves’ impending free agency, as he is widely expected to decline the player option on his contract to hit the open market next year. According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers guard is seeking a new contract that would pay him at least $30 million a year.

Los Angeles Lakers News: JJ Redick agrees to new contract extension after first full season

Los Angeles Lakers general manager recently announced that JJ Redick has agreed to a new contract extension with the team. In his first full season at the helm, Redick led the team to a 50-32 record and developed a strong bond with stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Feb 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

“Getting an extension done with Luka, in addition (to) having LeBron choose another year with the Lakers as opposed to entering free agency — all positive, productive things for us as a basketball team,” Pelinka said on media day.

“In addition to that too, recently extending JJ’s contract just to make it clear that he’s the basketball leader in terms of our coaching and on-court performance,” he added.