Austin Reaves is the perfect embodiment of the phrase “nothing comes easy.” He went undrafted in 2021 until the Los Angeles Lakers finally took a chance on him. For years, many saw him as a player with limited upside. He wasn’t the best shooter, and as a guard, his ability to run an offense was often questioned. Reaves didn’t have the flashy stats or the star power that usually earns players early recognition. But something has changed this season. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic missing time, the 27-year-old has become the Lakers’ anchor and a living “what if” for the franchise.

Reaves has now entered Hollywood’s basketball spotlight. His early-season scoring surge feels like the opening act of a blockbuster career. Last June, the Lakers offered him a four-year, 89.2 million contract, which was solid yet far below his growing market value. Reaves made a bold move and bet on himself. With a 14.8 million player option looming, he appears ready to decline it and chase a far bigger payday next summer. Lakers insider Dan Woike recently revealed that league executives believe Reaves could command as much as 40 million dollars annually if he continues performing at this level.

Now, Sam Amick of The Athletic recently wrote, “The Reaves dynamic has potential shades of what transpired with Doncic in Dallas, when Jalen Brunson opted to leave the Mavericks for the New York Knicks and the chance to have his own team in 2022.” To put things into perspective, Rob Pelinka could either trade the 27-year-old for another star in the league, maybe a Nikola Jokic or a Giannis Antetokounmpo, as one might hope. Or AR could ask for an exit as soon as he hits free agency next summer.

Considering LeBron James could choose to retire at any moment, the possibility of Doncic finding himself without an elite supporting cast feels alarmingly real. Moreover, Reaves stands at the heart of the LA Lakers’ plans, and his loyalty runs deep. His craving to contend and his affection for the purple and gold are no secret. Yet, if the Lakers rise to elite form, that could anchor him further. After all, Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka have boldly refused to trade him for stars, trusting his spark. For Reaves, it is luxury. For the Lakers, looming chaos.

Meanwhile, the Lakers can easily outbid everyone next July with a five-year, $240 million offer for Austin Reaves, but patience is their game. They first need a full season to judge his chemistry with Luka Doncic. Still, money will never be their roadblock. With new owner Mark Walter, securing a $10 billion takeover in June, the Lakers’ financial firepower feels as grand as their ambition.

Coming back to Reaves, he has caught everyone’s attention over the last two games he played for Los Angeles. Two nights and a total of 92 points! Is this the moment from AR that LA had been waiting for? Sure, the Portland Trail Blazers tested them, ultimately stealing the win, leaving the Lakers 8th in the West. But Reaves? He outshone everyone. Besides, he seemingly knows where he wants to be in the future.

Austin Reaves shines in back-to-back nights despite loss vs. Portland

Austin Reaves is erupting into full stardom. Through four games, he’s averaging 35.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds. Then came his 51-point, 11-rebound, nine-assist masterpiece against the Kings; an outstanding solo act with LeBron James and Luka Doncic both sidelined. That night proved he could thrive as the No. 1 option. Yet, this brilliance now leaves the Lakers tangled in a thrilling dilemma of their own making.

Reaves followed his 51-point show with 41 more against Portland. But beneath the fireworks lies a storm. He reportedly plans to opt out after this season, and every explosive performance pushes his market value even higher. Teams are seemingly circling, sensing opportunity; meanwhile, reports also say that Reaves wants to stay in Los Angeles.

He’s going to be a free agent at the end of the season. Yet he knows what he wants. “It’s a business at the end of the day. That doesn’t mean that I don’t wanna be in LA. I wanna be in LA for my whole career. And hopefully we can make that happen,” Reaves told ESPN LA. Ever since his rookie-year breakout, Austin Reaves has cemented himself as a crowd favorite and a cornerstone for the Lakers. But keeping him won’t come cheap; the front office may need to shell out nearly $100 million to make it happen.

Thus, Austin Reaves is crafting a story that feels bigger than the game itself. Every shot and every night adds a new layer to his legend. Yet behind the noise, choices await of loyalty, ambition, and what it means to belong. The Lakers want him. He wants them. But as the lights grow harsher and the stakes climb higher. Amidst everything, Reaves has turned uncertainty into his greatest strength.