Is Austin Reaves’ Departure From the Lakers Imminent?

Reaves’ current contract includes a $14.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season. After averaging career-highs of 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, there is an expectation that Reaves will decline the option in search of a more lucrative deal. 

Reaves holds most, if not all, of the leverage. It’s not a secret that the Lakers view Reaves as a burgeoning star they would rather keep than lose, but the decision ultimately lies in his hands. If he and the Lakers can’t work out a new deal sometime this year, the Lakers face the risk of losing him in 2026 free agency.

Should the Lakers Explore a Trade?

There is an uncomfortable alternative to letting Reaves walk in free agency. The Lakers could explore trading him at the 2026 trade deadline. A trade would ensure the Lakers receive valuable pieces in exchange for Reaves, as opposed to losing a player of his stature without gaining anything in return other than cap space.

This alternative shrinks the timetable for negotiating a new contract from an entire season to just a few months. If retaining Reaves is truly a goal for the Lakers, agreeing on a new contract should be as urgent as ever.

However, it doesn’t seem to be as much of a priority as it should be.

One reason is that the Lakers’ newest addition makes the on-court fit and rotations a bit more complicated. Marcus Smart is a much-needed perimeter defender, but where would the 6-foot-5 guard fit in the backcourt rotation that already features Reaves and Luka Dončić?

All three guards could start, but this would force Reaves and a 40-year-old LeBron to play bigger. Smart could simply come off the bench, but that would leave the starting lineup lacking perimeter defense and the second unit lacking scoring. The most logical option would be for Reaves to come off the bench and lead the second unit, but is the rising star ready and willing to embrace a Manu Ginobli-esque role in his contract year?

A solution to the newfound rotational problems would be to simply move on from Reaves. The Lakers could choose to fill the roster’s holes instead of trying to make the guard-heavy rotation work. Reaves could be a valuable asset that yields multiple, necessary pieces for a retool via trade. 

With so many factors at play, it is unclear how Austin Reaves’ situation will play out, but Lakers fans may need to prepare themselves for his sudden departure.