Rob Pelinka isn’t hiding what the Lakers want from Austin Reaves now.
After Reaves signed a four-year, $180 million extension this summer, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager made it clear that the next step is about more than buckets and assists. Speaking to Spectrum Sportsnet after the press conference ahead of the team’s media day, Pelinka pointed to the added responsibility that comes with that kind of contract.
“One of the things we talked to Austin about is like, what does it mean once you’re a max level player? What new responsibilities come your way with that leadership and showing others by example, like how to get better,” Pelinka explained.
Pelinka said that conversation also included JJ, and that Reaves has embraced the challenge.
“So he’s got a whole tool chest of new things that he’s gotta improve on and work at to be a great leader. That’s something he and I and JJ talked about. He embraces that challenge, and I think not only will we see continued growth in his basketball game, but I think we’ll see really strong growth in his leadership skills.”
That’s the heart of the Lakers’ bet here. Reaves has already shown he can carry a heavy offensive load, and if the progression keeps going, an All-Star nod in the 2026-27 season is right there on the table. At the same time, he’s 28, which means this could also be the stretch where fans are already seeing his peak.
There’s no guarantee the leap keeps coming. At a minimum, the Lakers need him to keep producing at the same level he’s already established. Pelinka’s own words captured that uncertainty well.
“We’ve talked about how every season is a little bit like The Odyssey…or the hero’s journey. You launch a season, and there are things that happen throughout that you can’t predict, but you have to stay together as a group and stay strong,” Rob Pelinka said.
Reaves finished the 2025-26 season averaging 22.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 48.1% from the field and 35.0% from behind the three-point line in 57 games played, including the playoffs. Injuries disrupted the back half of his year and even carried into the first round, where he missed the first four games against the Rockets before returning and playing through the issue.
Still, most of the season showed exactly why the Lakers value him so highly. Reaves was a steady second scoring option, whether he was working alongside Luka Doncic while LeBron James recovered from sciatica or operating with LeBron while Doncic dealt with a hamstring injury.
Now the focus shifts to 2026-27, a season that could shape the next phase of Reaves’ career. The Lakers are counting on his scoring, his playmaking, and the leadership growth Pelinka says is coming. Whether he becomes an All-Star or simply stays where he is, the pressure and expectation around him are unmistakable.
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Rob Pelinka said the Lakers did their homework on Kesslers medical situation and are confident his shoulder injury is fully healed, which is a big part of why they were comfortable moving forward. Even so, as with any investment of this size, the real question for Los Angeles is whether the defensive upgrade they believe they are getting can hold up once the season starts and the games get physical. [Read more 🡒]