The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a pivotal period in 2025-26, with Luka Doncic stepping into a leading role after a successful EuroBasket 2025 campaign and LeBron James potentially playing out his final season. Amid this transition, questions are emerging about the future of Austin Reaves, who could command up to $246 million over five years in his next contract negotiations.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Post-LeBron Era Puts Austin Reaves’ Future in Question
With the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster evolving around Doncic, the team may rethink committing a max contract to Reaves. Zach Lowe, on The Bill Simmons Podcast, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Reaves in a post-LeBron, Luka-focused system.
“What if things just go very badly this season for Austin Reaves with the Lakers? … If he’s retiring, is that good for my future in L.A.? I’m just saying, like, there’s a world in which it goes,” Lowe said, pointing to a potential misalignment in a Luka-led team.
Austin Reaves became a standout alongside LeBron James, improving his counting stats without significant changes to his shooting splits. However, concerns exist about doubling up on ball-dominant offensive players, especially under the constraints of the second tax apron.
Robert Horry Suggests Sign-and-Trade as Solution
Former three-time Lakers champion Robert Horry also weighed in, recommending a sign-and-trade approach rather than offering Austin Reaves a max deal.
“If the Lakers are smart, they would do a sign-and-trade.… When you have a team with two players, who are pretty much the same, meaning Luka and A.R., I’m not saying they have the same skill set – they play the same position, pretty much do the same thing – it’s a wash. Don’t get me wrong, I love A.R., but you don’t need two of the same players,” Horry said on his podcast.
Key Points on Austin Reaves’ Contract Outlook
• Reaves can negotiate up to a five-year, $246 million deal.
• Luka Doncic’s arrival changes the offensive landscape, potentially limiting Reaves’ role.
• The Lakers may avoid overlapping ball-dominant players to manage salary cap constraints.
• Sign-and-trade is suggested as a strategic alternative to a max contract.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ management, led by Rob Pelinka, has demonstrated caution in roster-building, particularly avoiding overpays after the 2023 Western Conference Finals run. The next year will be critical in determining how Reaves fits into a team transitioning to a Luka-centric system.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the Lakers navigate this new era, balancing talent retention, salary cap strategy, and the evolving dynamics of their star players.
