The Lakers’ offseason just got a whole lot messier. You know that feeling when you’re trying to balance too many plates at once, and then someone tosses you another one? Yeah, that’s Rob Pelinka right now. The front office is juggling contract drama, trade rumors, and the ever-looming question of how to maximize the LeBron-Luka window. And just when you thought things couldn’t get more chaotic, here comes Austin Reaves with a decision that’s got everyone talking.
This isn’t just about basketball anymore! It’s about money, leverage, and the kind of high-stakes poker moves that define NBA offseasons. Reaves isn’t just a fan favorite; he’s become one of the most cost-effective contributors in the league. But what happens when a guy outplays his contract and the team can’t pay him what he’s worth yet? Buckle up, because the Lakers’ summer just took a sharp turn.
Breaking: Dan Woike dropped the bomb on X! Austin Reaves just declined a four-year, $89.2 million max extension from the Lakers. Before you panic, this isn’t a betrayal. It’s simple math. The CBA limits what L.A. can offer him right now, but in 2026, Reaves can hit free agency and command a deal starting at around $42.5 million. That’s double what the Lakers could put on the table today. Smart move? Absolutely. A headache for the front office? You bet. Reaves loves L.A., but love doesn’t pay the bills. Not when you’re averaging 20-5-5 on a bargain contract.
Sources: Lakers guard Austin Reaves declined a max extension with the team earlier this week. Here’s what that means and why it shouldn’t be a surprise https://t.co/sIbIG0PEOL
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 26, 2025
Here’s where it gets spicy. While Reaves plays the long game, the Lakers have other fires to put out. Dorian Finney-Smith- their $15.3 million glue guy, might bail on his player option to test free agency, per ESPN. DFS shot a career-best 43.5% from three last season, and contenders are already circling. If he walks, that’s another hole in the rotation. Oh, and let’s not forget the Andrew Wiggins rumors.
Miami’s shopping him hard, and the Lakers are debating whether to ship out Rui Hachimura (and maybe even rookie Dalton Knecht) to land the former Warrior. Wiggins is a gamble. Great when engaged, invisible when not- but with LeBron’s clock ticking, L.A. might roll the dice anyway.
Nov 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) reacts during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
So where does this leave the Lakers? Reaves is betting on himself, DFS might be gone, and Wiggins could be the next polarizing addition. The only certainty? Pelinka’s got his work cut out for him. One wrong move, and this offseason goes from “reloading” to “rebuilding” real quick.
Who Will Take the Center Stage for the Lakers?
While everyone’s obsessing over wings, the Lakers’ biggest hole is still in the middle. Enter Walker Kessler. Utah’s 23-year-old shot-blocking machine is on the trade block, and L.A. is reportedly pushing hard. Kessler’s making just $13.3 million, has elite defensive instincts, and is flirting with a three-point shot.
Perfect fit? On paper, absolutely. But the Jazz won’t give him up for free. Rumors suggest a package centered around Knecht and a 2031 first-round pick.
Credit: Imagn Images
Is it worth it? If the Lakers want to contend, they don’t have a choice. The West is a gauntlet, and Luka ain’t waiting around. Kessler or Wiggins, Reaves or DFS; every move has to scream “win now.” Because if this summer goes sideways, the only thing louder than the criticism will be the ticking of LeBron’s retirement clock.
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