LA Lakers guard Austin Reaves could be one of the most intriguing free agents in 2026. Reaves was not a conventional All-Star prospect coming into the league. He was 23 in his rookie season and undrafted. Reaves has worked his way up the ranks with stellar performances for the Purple and Gold, where even bona fide stars have failed to find their footing.
Last season, Reaves outplayed his $12.9 million contract, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists (all career-highs). It didn’t matter if he played behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James, or Anthony Davis and LeBron James; Reaves was arguably the best third option in the NBA.
He stepped up when the stars weren’t in action and led the Lakers to spectacular wins. Reaves’ growth hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it shows in how much LA values him. The franchise has made him untouchable, barring the potential to land an All-Star caliber player in return.
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