Lakers unwilling to meet the guard’s rising market value
In the ongoing conversations about LeBron James and Luka Doncic, other players on the Los Angeles Lakers sometimes fade into the background.
Yet, the franchise cannot ignore its broader goal of winning more championships. One player central to that pursuit, Austin Reaves, may not be staying in Los Angeles much longer.
The guard is under contract now, but the Lakers have not yet committed to giving him a deal that reflects his growing value. Without that commitment, his future with the team is in doubt.
Reaves’ current four-year, $53.8 million contract includes a player option for the 2026-27 NBA season, which he is expected to exercise. Even so, the guard has already proven his worth and is looking for a deal that recognizes it. Reports suggest the Lakers are reluctant to match his rising market price, creating an opening for other teams.
The Sacramento Kings may be the team best positioned to take advantage. After losing De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, the Kings are in need of a new point guard.
While they have plenty of shooting guards, the gap at point guard remains clear. Dennis Schroeder recently joined the roster, but given how often he has been traded, Sacramento may not view him as a long-term answer.
That leaves room for Austin Reaves to step in. The 26-year-old has developed into a reliable starter since joining the Lakers in 2021, when he went undrafted out of Oklahoma and signed a two-way contract.
His chemistry with stars like LeBron James helped establish his reputation as a steady presence, but Los Angeles may now be unable or unwilling to keep him at the price he wants.
If the Lakers pursue a future built around Luka Doncic alongside LeBron James, or even a new superstar should James leave, they likely won’t have space for Austin Reaves’ raise. For Sacramento, however, he could be exactly the piece they need.
Paired with All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, Austin Reaves could offer the Kings a strong backcourt presence and the chance to build toward contention in the Western Conference.
nba 
nfl 
wnba 
NBA 
