On May 2, the Los Angeles Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first-round playoff series. Following the elimination, The Athletic published an in-depth article discussing the Lakers’ outlook for the upcoming offseason.
According to The Athletic, Luka Doncic has explicitly told the Lakers’ front office that he wants to continue playing alongside Austin Reaves. Moreover, Doncic made it clear that Reaves should not be used as trade bait in any potential deal for another superstar, particularly in hypothetical discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Simply put, this is the power of a franchise cornerstone. Star players can influence roster decisions, and Doncic is exercising that leverage now.
The report suggests that after a season of on-court chemistry, Doncic believes he and Reaves have developed strong synergy and a promising future together. This is especially relevant as the Lakers may look to acquire another superstar this summer, potentially forming a new “Big Three.”
However, Reaves’ situation remains fluid. If the Lakers fail to offer him a satisfactory contract, he could still walk away in free agency. No player turns down a nine-figure deal easily, especially after a postseason where Reaves struggled with efficiency in key moments. In contrast, LeBron James delivered standout performances during the playoffs. The Lakers might be reluctant to offer Reaves a max contract, though they could decide to gamble for Doncic’s sake.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ future is filled with uncertainty. Whether it’s Reaves or even James, nothing is guaranteed—it all depends on how the front office navigates the offseason.