Fresh off agreeing to a four-year, $185 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves made it clear that he believes the franchise already has the cornerstone pieces necessary to contend for a title.
“And I feel like, you know, with me and Luka, that’s a great starting piece to compete. And when we put a roster together that can go compete, I feel like winning a championship will basically solidify everything that I want and everything that the Lakers want.”
Reaves’ comments underscore the growing belief within the organization that the partnership between himself and Luka Dončić represents the foundation of the Lakers’ future. After averaging career highs across the board during the 2025-26 season, Reaves earned the largest contract ever awarded to an undrafted player in NBA history, solidifying his place as a central figure in Los Angeles’ long-term plans.
The Lakers’ commitment to Reaves comes amid reports that Dončić strongly supported the team’s efforts to retain him. The duo reportedly posted an elite net rating when sharing the floor last season, giving the front office confidence that the backcourt can be a winning combination moving forward.
Still, Reaves acknowledged that a championship isn’t guaranteed simply because he and Dončić are in place. His emphasis on “putting a roster together” reflects the reality facing the Lakers this offseason. Questions remain regarding roster construction, frontcourt depth, and how the franchise will navigate salary-cap constraints while building a contender around its emerging stars.
For Reaves, however, the vision is clear. After rising from undrafted free agent to franchise cornerstone, he sees a championship as the final step in cementing both his legacy and the Lakers’ next era.
