Lakers' JJ Redick makes encouraging statement about Austin Reaves

Despite having LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster, Austin Reaves is still a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers' rotation. He will likely be the third option on offense next season, slotting in to fill gaps and link everything together. 

Reaves, 27, is coming off a career year where he averaged career highs of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Now, with both Doncic and James in the rotation, he will have even more space and less defensive attention to maximize his touches and overall role. 

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick claimed that Reaves has been the best player in the Lakers' gym the past few days.

“Every day that he’s been in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym," Redick said, via Mike Trudell. "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.”

Reaves will undoubtedly understand that there's additional competition for playing time this season. Los Angeles added Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in free agency. And, despite being one of the Lakers' key players, it would appear Reaves isn't willing to rest on his previous accomplishments.

Reaves could earn a $100M contract

Reaves has two more years left on his current deal. However, the final year is a player option, which, given his continued development, he is expected to opt out of. Therefore, Reaves could hit the unrestricted free agent market next summer.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps believes Reaves could be heading toward a $100M payday on his next contract.

"Reaves is betting on himself for 2025-26," Bontemps wrote. "Reaves and his representatives turned down a four-year, nearly $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers in June, setting himself up to test unrestricted free agency next summer and sign a new deal worth well over $100 million."

Lakers likely to re-sign Reaves

The most likely outcome for Reaves is that he re-signs with the Lakers. He's a fan favorite, and it would appear he has the trust of Redick and his coaching staff. As long as the Lakers are willing to pay him, it would make little sense for him to walk away from such a large role. 

Furthermore, the Lakers are clearly a team on the rise. Reaves could compete for his first championship ring in the coming years and potentially add more of them in short succession. 

Of course, making the money work is always a stumbling block. But assuming Reaves signs a five-year deal, his pay rise would be less than $10M a year, which should be a manageable increase for the Lakers organization.

Reaves' future will certainly be somewhat of a subplot for the Lakers this season, but with his team-first mentality, it's unlikely to become anything near a distraction. And that's just another reason why the Lakers will undoubtedly want to keep him around.