Lakers guard Austin Reaves on free agency: “I don’t think about much. I take life day by day. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization. I play a kid’s game. I make good money.”
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After a disappointing four straight losses to the reigning champs, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ playoff run came to an end.
The Lakers collapsed in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder, blowing a short lead with a final score of 115-110 at home.
While the main focus after the game was about Lebron James‘ future in the NBA, Lakers guard Austin Reaves‘ season ends with a big question mark.
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In 2023, Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year, $53.8 million dollar contract with the with a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27. Reaves however, has the opportunity to decline this option to enter free agency ahead of the 2026-27 season.
After Reaves’ Laker-leading 27-point game in their loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he spoke to the media about where his head is at surrounding the free agency rumors heading into next season.
“I’m gonna be honest, I’ve been here for 5 years and you guys know me well… I don’t think about much,” Reaves stated. “I take life day by day. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization. I play a kid’s game. I make good money.”
Lakers guard Austin Reaves on free agency: “I don’t think about much. I take life day by day. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization. I play a kid’s game. I make good money.”
Reaves, 27, joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in the 2021-22 season. Later that season, he hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks and recorded a 31-point triple-double against the Denver Nuggets.
In 2025-26, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, with 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists with a 49% FG average in 51 games. He had a true breakout season before his injury in early April.
The NBA’s highest scoring duo, Reaves and Luka Doncic missed significant time this season, and in the playoffs. Doncic never seeing the court, and Reaves missing the first four games.
In Doncic’s postgame press conference, he was asked whether or not he will recruit Reaves and Lebron James to sign with the Lakers this summer.
Doncic replied, “We’ll see… can’t tell you nothing.”
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During Austin Reaves’ postgame interview, he was asked if there’s a possibility to continue sharing the court with Lebron James.
“It would mean the world to me, I don’t know anything different,” Reaves said. “My rookie year, had no idea what the hell was going on and he basically took me under his wing and given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for…It’s been super fun and hope to continue to do that. I owe him a lot for my career…”
“He basically took me under his wing and gave me every opportunity that I could ever ask for.”
Austin Reaves reflects on his relationship with LeBron.
Reaves also notes that him and Lebron have built a relationship off the court during the course of his career.
After the game, Lebron made sure to praise Reaves’ development during the last five years, complimenting the work ethic and talent he brings to the Lakers.
“Seeing AR grow over five years has been nothing short of amazing,” Lebron said. “He’s a hard worker, he loves the game, he wants to get better and he’s not afraid of constructive criticism. I saw the talent, but also saw that he was willing to put the work in and wasn’t afraid of the moment. To see where he is today is awesome.”
The free agency negotiation period begins June 30, and Lakers’ fans will likely not know the full fate of Austin Reaves’ future with the organization until that time.
McKenna Van Gundy McKenna Van Gundy is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. She spent two years as a sports contributor for her University's newspaper, covering games and writing feature stories on players and coaches. She currently works for the NFL as a digital programming associate and lives in the greater Los Angeles area. More about McKenna Van Gundy
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