Lakers star Austin Reaves makes announcement on retirement plans amid trade rumors

Austin Reaves has continued to improve in each season of his four-year career. The Los Angeles Lakers guard averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks per game in 2024-25 while shooting 46.0% from the field, 37.7% from three-point range and 87.7% from the free-throw line.

He set new career-highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game while tying his career-high in blocks per game. Despite questions about his fit alongside Luka Dončić, the former undrafted free agent continued to play well following the midseason blockbuster trade.

Despite his continued performance, Reaves’ name has come up in trade talks with many suggesting that he could be on the move this offseason. He recently addressed those rumors, claiming that he hopes to play his entire career in Los Angeles.

“I mean, at this point, it’s not in my control,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves stated Monday. “I want to be in LA. If they want to trade me then we’ll starting something new somewhere else, but, like I said, I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love the city, love the fans, love the weather, love the golf and, obviously, the Lakers (are) the best organization in basketball. So, I don’t pay attention to it. I keep my head down, work and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.”

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While Reaves’ production took a step back in the postseason, the Lakers have expressed that they view him as a key piece of their future. He is on a team friendly contract that will pay him $13.9 million in 2025-26.

While he is eligible to sign an extension that begins at $19.5 million this summer, he is expected to wait in order to increase his earning potential. Reaves reportedly is seeking a starting salary of over $30 million on his next deal.

His long-term fit alongside Dončić, combined with his salary that will soon increase, has led many to question if the Lakers should move on from the guard. Furthermore, he is their most coveted trade chip as they look to acquire a big man this offseason. Despite the rumors, Reaves has made it clear that he hopes to spend his entire career in Los Angeles.

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