Austin Reaves’ Offseason Work Should Have Lakers Fans Excited, His New Teammate Suggests
The Los Angeles Lakers have a new formidable trio, and Austin Reaves, who went undrafted in 2020, is admirably one of them. The Lakers are moving into a new era following the departure of LeBron James after eight seasons and one championship with the team. They had a relatively successful 2025-26 season with their Big [...]
The Los Angeles Lakers have assembled a formidable new trio, with undrafted player Austin Reaves playing a key role. Following LeBron James' departure after eight seasons and a championship, the Lakers entered an exciting new era. Their successful 2025-26 season ended in the second round of the playoffs due to an injury to Slovenian All-Star Luka Doncic.
However, the Lakers are now focused on the future, signing Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract extension – reportedly the largest ever given to an undrafted player. Reaves' impressive performance, averaging 23.3 points per game, includes a career-high 51-point game against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers also strengthened their roster by adding Walker Kessler, who signed a four-year, $130 million deal.
The new Big Three of Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler will lead the team. Reaves is actively embracing his new role, working out with teammates Collin Sexton and showing leadership by encouraging others. His dedication and competitive nature have earned him the trust of the organization, which he now aims to repay.
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