Austin Reaves, one of the brightest talents on the Los Angeles Lakers roster, has made it clear where he stands when it comes to his future with the franchise.
After wrapping up a career-best season, the 27-year-old guard didn’t hesitate to share his intentions during a recent youth basketball camp: he wants to stay in L.A. for the long haul.
“I want to be in L.A. If they want to trade me, then we’ll start something new somewhere else,” Reaves told K8 News. “But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A. I love it there. I love the fans, I love the weather, I love the golf, and obviously, the Lakers is the best organization in basketball.”
That level of transparency and commitment resonates with Lakers fans, especially during an offseason filled with uncertainty. Reaves, who began his NBA career as an undrafted rookie, has developed into a cornerstone for the franchise.
Reaves’ rapid rise and impact on the Lakers
Reaves’ rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming off his fourth season in the league, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He also shot an efficient 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range across 73 games. His scoring trajectory tells the story of his development – from 7.3 points per game in his rookie season to over 20 points in his fourth.
His ability to create plays, shoot from deep, and defend multiple positions has turned him into a dependable two-way guard. Reaves even joined an exclusive list of Lakers legends – LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson – by recording 50 points, 15 rebounds, and 25 assists over a two-game span. That elite company speaks volumes about his growing influence.
Despite the Lakers’ strong 50-32 regular-season record, the team exited the playoffs in the first round after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The disappointment, however, doesn’t seem to have shaken Reaves’ loyalty.
Now entering his prime, Reaves appears to be fully invested in helping the Lakers return to title contention. His comments suggest that unless the front office has other plans, he’s committed to being part of the solution.
As roster changes loom and the franchise looks to reshape its future, having a player like Austin Reaves – talented, grounded, and loyal – could be one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets moving forward.
Read the full article here
