What happened: Per a league report from Jake Scotto, there is a strong belief within NBA circles that Austin Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers if Los Angeles offers him close to or the full maximum contract this offseason. If the Lakers come in with a low-ball figure, Reaves is expected to weigh other offers, and a sign-and-trade scenario could emerge.

Why it matters: Reaves has become a core piece of the Lakers' guard rotation, and his free-agency decision shapes how Los Angeles builds around its stars entering the 2025-26 season. The framing tracks with earlier reporting that Reaves is seeking a maximum deal, raising the stakes on how aggressively the front office moves to retain him.

What to watch: Watch the size of the Lakers' opening offer once free agency opens, and whether sign-and-trade talks surface if the two sides fall short of the max.