The Lakers have a summer of hard choices ahead, and the Austin Reaves contract situation is shaping up to be one of the most debated topics in the NBA. While LeBron James’ future dominates headlines, Reaves is quietly set to become an unrestricted free agent after a regular season that was strong — followed by a playoff run that left plenty of people underwhelmed.
Enter Nick Young. The former Lakers guard didn’t hold back when he shared his thoughts on what Reaves should be worth on the open market.
“I can’t give him the full $250 (million),” Young said on Gil’s Arena. “At the end of the day, you really don’t know if he’s a number two. A number two is a guy that’s supposed to take you over the hump and get you a deep run into the Finals. I like Austin Reaves, I like the confidence… if you want to stay a Laker, I don’t think you give him 250.”
It’s not just Young raising eyebrows. Across the league, questions are piling up about whether a team paying both Reaves and Luka Dončić big money can actually contend. The concern is defense — neither player is known for locking down on that end, and pairing them with an aging LeBron, who isn’t exactly a stopper anymore, could create serious matchup problems in a Western Conference loaded with elite guards and wings.
What the Numbers Say
Reaves’ numbers during the regular season were solid enough to get teams interested. He averaged over 17 points and five assists per game, shooting close to 38 percent from three. But the postseason told a different story. His efficiency dipped, his defensive flaws were exposed, and the Lakers bowed out earlier than expected.
According to league insiders, Reaves is expected to draw significant interest from multiple teams when free agency opens on June 30. The question is whether Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office will be willing to match an offer that pushes into the nine-figure range.
The Bigger Picture for L.A.
The Lakers are walking a tightrope. Handing Reaves a max or near-max deal could lock them into a core that has clear weaknesses. But letting him walk could backfire if he blossoms elsewhere. Young’s take might sting for Reaves fans, but it reflects a very real debate: is he a secondary star on a championship team, or a very good third option being asked to do too much?
Either way, the clock is ticking. And the decision the Lakers make on Reaves will send a signal about how they see their future — with or without LeBron.
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