Austin Reaves’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers has become a hot topic as trade speculation swirls and contract questions loom. While some former players believe the Lakers should consider moving Reaves to address defensive lapses, a respected NBA insider has now revealed where the franchise truly stands. It suggests L.A. has little interest in cutting ties with one of its most productive guards.
Insider Reveals Lakers View Austin Reaves As Untouchable
The debate over Reaves’ trade gained traction after retired NBA center DeMarcus Cousins offered a blunt take on a hypothetical swap involving Reaves and Dillon Brooks.
When asked if the Lakers should trade Reaves for Brooks, Cousins didn’t hesitate.
“In a heartbeat,” Cousins said.
“He’s a culture changer. He’s a proven winner. We talk about all the glaring holes when it comes to this Lakers team. He fits exactly what they need right now… You’re getting a two-way player compared to a one-sided player. Why wouldn’t you do it?”
That idea was quickly shut down elsewhere. Suns owner Mat Ishbia quote-tweeted the clip, making it clear Brooks wasn’t available, writing: “Don’t bother calling… Suns aren’t interested. Dillon’s not going anywhere.”
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Lakers’ stance is just as firm on their side. On FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Amick revealed that Jeanie Buss is Reaves’ biggest supporter within the organization and considers him untouchable in trade discussions.
“Jeanie Buss is the captain of the Austin Reaves Fan Club,” Amick said.
“And Rob Pelinka is a huge fan as well. Now, if Mark Walter [the new Lakers majority owner] sees things differently, then who knows what happens down the road.
But right now, all signs point to them paying Reaves that massive amount coming his way this summer.”
Lakers Are Still Committed to Reaves
Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million contract with the Lakers and holds a $14.8 million player option for the 2026–27 season, which he is widely expected to decline. The Lakers previously offered him a four-year, $89.2 million extension, which Reaves turned down.
If he reaches free agency in 2026, Reaves could command a much larger deal, potentially a max contract starting around $42.5 million per year, with L.A. able to offer up to five years and roughly $240 million.
On the court, Reaves is enjoying a career season, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 50.7% from the field. His production has helped keep the Lakers near the top of the standings at 23–11, which ranks them third in the Western Conference.
There are legitimate concerns, though. The Lakers are struggling on defense. They rank in the bottom 10 in defense, and Reaves’ scoring can overlap with stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
His season has also been interrupted by a Grade 2 left calf strain, suffered on Christmas Day. He’s expected to be re-evaluated roughly four weeks after the injury, putting him about two weeks away from a meaningful update.
Still, the Lakers appear willing to absorb the risk. Reaves has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles, but also wants to be paid accordingly. For now, it seems certain L.A. is prepared to do just that.