Austin Reaves envisions a future with the Lakers centered on championships
Austin Reaves has made it clear: he wants to spend his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The guard’s heartfelt desire stems from his unique journey in the league, having gone undrafted and found a home in Los Angeles. “Being undrafted and this being my first home, there’s not many people in the league anymore that stay somewhere for their full career,” Reaves expressed. “I feel like that would be cool, and that would fit kind of the story of what my life’s been.”
Staying Put Amid Trade Rumors
Throughout the offseason, Reaves’ name surfaced frequently in discussions surrounding potential trades, particularly as the team explored options for a center. Despite the swirling rumors, the Lakers opted to retain him for the upcoming season, indicating their belief in his potential. As a 6-foot-5 guard, Reaves has shown consistent improvement since joining the team, starting all 73 games he played during the 2024-25 season. Notably, he averaged over 20 points per game for the first time in his career and set a new personal best in assists.
Prioritizing Team Success Over Individual Accolades
While Reaves is capable of putting up impressive numbers, he’s more focused on winning than personal accolades. “I feel like I could be an All-Star. But all of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka and LeBron,” he stated. His priorities are clear; winning trumps personal glory. “If that’s the map for me to be an All-Star, I don’t care about that. I wanna win.”
Reaves firmly believes that if it means taking on a role as a “third option” to enhance the team’s chances in the playoffs and pursue championships, he is all in. “I would prefer that much more than even being an All-Star,” he affirmed.
A Championship Mindset for the Lakers
With the Lakers poised to compete for another championship, Reaves’ commitment to the team ethos is echoed by the organization’s aspirations. His focus on collective success aligns seamlessly with the franchise’s legacy, where championships are the ultimate goal. As the new season approaches, Reaves stands ready to contribute, embodying the spirit of a player who values the journey over individual accolades.
