NBA Notes: Lakers, Austin Reaves, Bucks, AJ Green, Timberwolves

Lakers

The Lakers are holding the line without LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and the reason is simple. As you likely know, Austin Reaves is on fire.

The 27-year-old guard has exploded to start the season, averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 52.5% from the field and leading the NBA in free throws made per game.

He scored 51 in Sacramento, 41 against Portland, and buried a game-winner in Minnesota to cap a 28-point, 16-assist effort.

“That guy is going to show up in the big moments,” head coach JJ Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’m not surprised. He’s done that many times in his career.”

Reaves’ breakout comes as he enters what’s essentially a contract year. He’s expected to decline his $14.9 million player option for 2026–27.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reports league executives believe he’ll command at least $30 million per year, with one rival source suggesting a suitor could go as high as $180 million over four years.

“He’s good, and the Lakers intend to keep him,” one executive told ESPN. “So my guess is it gets done.”

Bucks

The Bucks may not have nailed a draft pick since Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2013, but they’ve struck gold elsewhere. Undrafted guards Ryan Rollins and A.J. Green have been huge early in a 4–1 start.

Rollins dropped 32 points and eight assists Thursday against Golden State, while Green has hit at least three threes in every game and is shooting 55% from deep.

Both are on long-term, team-friendly deals — $12 million over three years for Rollins, $45 million over four for Green — and could end up as major steals if their hot starts hold.

Milwaukee hasn’t signed a drafted player to a second contract in 11 years, but reclamation projects like these are helping bridge that gap.

Meanwhile, former Bucks big man Myles Turner told teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s podcast that Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury changed Indiana’s plans in free agency.

“The front office just changed their mind,” Turner said. “It was like, ‘Yeah, you helped us get there… but we had to pivot.’”

Timberwolves

The Timberwolves’ identity has always started with defense — until now. Minnesota ranks 24th in defensive rating (119.5) after finishing sixth last season.

Head coach Chris Finch isn’t thrilled, saying his top defenders need to lead the charge, as relayed by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

“Jaden (McDaniels) has gotta be better at the point of attack,” Finch said. “Rudy (Gobert) has gotta challenge more stuff at the rim.”

At 2–3, the Wolves still have plenty of time to tighten things up. But for a team built around stops, this start hasn’t met the standard.