Austin Reaves has made his intentions clear about wanting to remain a Los Angeles Laker for life. The 27-year-old guard, who went undrafted in 2021 and has since become a vital component of the Lakers, expressed his desire to spend his entire career with the franchise during an interview. Reaves emphasized his long-standing affinity for the Lakers, having grown up a fan and idolizing Kobe Bryant.
This season, Reaves has been performing impressively, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, especially following the team's acquisition of Luka Doncic. However, with a player option for the 2026-27 season, there are concerns about his future, as he is expected to seek a lucrative contract worth about $30 million annually. While fans rally for his stay, the team may face challenges in keeping him amidst trade discussions.