Austin Reaves is leaning towards declining his player option for the 2026-27 season to test unrestricted free agency where he looks for $30 million per year.
At some point in the future, Los Angeles Lakers will have to start building their roster around Luka Doncic.
That means thinking beyond current players, including LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
As far as Reaves go, his future with the Lakers may not be that bright for multiple reasons.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Austin Reaves is leaning towards declining his player option for 2026-27 season so he could test waters of unrestricted free agency.
It is said that Reaves will be looking for $30 million per season, whilst the maximum he could extend for with the Lakers is $19.5 million.
Outside of Lakers’ distant first round picks in 2031 and 2032, Reaves is the most intriguing trade asset they have, which could be packaged in a deal for a center if there is need to do so.
