Overview
- The Lakers were knocked out of the NBA Cup by the Spurs, and after two poor shooting games for Austin Reaves, coach JJ Redick defended him and said he expects many more great nights.
- Reaves has emerged as a first-time All-Star candidate, averaging roughly 28.4 points, 6.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds while carrying the offense during stretches without LeBron James.
- LeBron praised Reaves’ leap on his podcast, saying the guard is healthier, has greater responsibility and is “not just one of the guys,” crediting his confidence and work.
- Rich Paul said the current roster is not a true contender and critiqued the team’s style and culture; he agreed with Max Kellerman that Reaves could be a Manu Ginóbili–type sixth man and later described him as a Tier 2 guard, drawing reactions from ex-players.
- Looking ahead, Reaves will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, with estimates he could command around $50 million per year and reported maximum structures of five years at about $240.7 million from the Lakers or four years at about $178 million elsewhere.