La Lakers star Austin Reeves knows what he wants. But it’s not that simple.
After the incredible regular season for the La Lakers, the Austin Raves have become one of the most talked about players in the NBA.
The hype was kicked out after his disappointing playoff performance amid debate over whether he was the league’s best third choice and a future All-Star.
It was then revealed that the Reaves were injured in a 4-1 series defeat to the Timberwolves.
Since the Lakers season ended, Austin Reeves’ future has been the subject of intense debate, with Bill Simmons claiming that the Lakers star will be traded.
Austin Reeves doesn’t want to leave La Lakers. He revealed this in an interview with Kait8.com, who spoke at basketball camp.
The Reaves cited the impressive trade the Lakers made to win Luka Doncic at the midseason deadline to fuel him with excitement about the team’s direction.
He explained: “I think the sky is a limit for us. We are moving in the right direction.
“Obviously, you add Luka (Don Chic), and it gives you a Hall of Fame, and a young age that’s what you can build around, and obviously, still, Bron (LeBron James), who has an IQ and is still running around at 40, but I want to be LA.”
Reaves added: “I want to play my entire career in LA. I love it. I love the fans. I love the weather, I love golf. And clearly the Lakers are the best organization in basketball.”
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times argued that the Lakers may have to trade Austin Reeves because of their lack of other assets, but that depends on what they want to acquire.
Reaves replied: “I don’t pay attention to it. I keep my head in business. I feel that is one of the reasons I am.”
Austin Reeves remains on his contract with La Lakers for a year. Teams can provide extensions this offseason.
The smart move for Reaves is to wait in the summer of 2026 and become an unlimited free agent.
Laves’ advisors are trying to ensure that he will make the most financially wise moves possible in his desire to stay in LA and increase uncertainty about his future.
Lakers fans can at least take heart from his comments and make Rob Perinka’s commitment to him at the time of Don Chic’s trade show where his head is.
Lakers GM called Reeves the Lakers’ “Swiss Army Knife” and decided to keep him, claiming it was in his heart through negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks.
As one of the Lakers’ most productive players last season, Reaves sounds like they want to keep up the momentum as they enjoy a career-high year.