Austin Reaves’ journey from undrafted to indispensable has been one of the most compelling storylines in the NBA over the past few seasons. But in 2025-26, his role with the Los Angeles Lakers has gone from inspiring to essential. As the Lakers jockey for prime playoff position in a loaded Western Conference, Reaves isn’t just holding his own-he’s becoming the heartbeat of a team still chasing championship dreams.
When LeBron James missed time earlier this season with sciatica, it was Reaves who stepped into the void. He didn’t just tread water-he elevated.
Running the offense, creating for others, and hitting big shots, Reaves played with the kind of confidence and poise that made it clear: this wasn’t a temporary spark. This was a player ready for the spotlight.
And when Reaves himself missed a few games in December, the Lakers felt it-badly. His absence was noticeable, and his return brought an immediate uptick in the team’s rhythm and execution.
That impact was on full display again when Reaves erupted for 35 points against the 76ers earlier this week. It wasn’t just the scoring-it was the timing.
Big buckets in big moments, all while seamlessly fitting into whatever lineup the Lakers threw out there. He’s become the kind of player who can slide up or down the positional chart, and still deliver.
That kind of versatility is rare, and around the league, his value is climbing fast.
Kendrick Perkins, never one to shy away from bold takes, offered one that might’ve sounded hot at first-but actually tracks with how Reaves’ season has unfolded. “LeBron is not the second option no more.
That’s Austin Reaves,” Perkins said on NBA on ESPN. “Austin Reaves is not only the most important player outside of Luka on the Los Angeles Lakers, but one could argue he’s the most important player in the NBA.”
Now, that’s a loaded statement. But dig a little deeper, and the logic becomes clearer.
LeBron, now 41, still has flashes of brilliance-those moments that remind you why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it. But he’s no longer the every-night engine.
Luka Doncic, meanwhile, continues to be Luka-an MVP-level force who can take over games at will. What the Lakers need is a consistent No. 2, someone who can complement Luka’s genius without needing to dominate the ball.
Reaves is showing he can be that guy.
Perkins framed it as an audition-Reaves trying to prove he’s worthy of being one of the two franchise cornerstones the Lakers can build around post-LeBron. “The biggest question out there is when they move, or if they move from LeBron, which it seems like it’s trending that way, can Luka and Austin Reaves be those two franchise Max guys that you can build a championship around?”
Perkins asked. “And if the answer is no, then we know that some other team out there in the league is going to believe.”
That’s the reality the Lakers are staring down. Reaves is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his stock has never been higher.
He’s 27, entering his prime, and proving he can thrive under pressure in one of the league’s most scrutinized markets. If the Lakers don’t lock him up with a long-term deal, someone else will-and it won’t take long.
There’s a cautionary tale here, too. Perkins pointed to the Trae Young situation in Atlanta, where the Hawks hesitated to fully commit, and watched as their star’s energy and engagement faded before he was ultimately dealt to Washington.
That kind of misstep can set a franchise back years. The Lakers can’t afford to make the same mistake with Reaves.
What makes this decision so pivotal isn’t just Reaves’ production. It’s what he represents.
He’s not just a good player-they’ve had plenty of those come and go. He’s a symbol of continuity, chemistry, and internal development.
After years of swinging for the next superstar, the Lakers may have finally found a co-star who fits not because of name recognition, but because of actual on-court synergy.
Reaves is marketable, reliable, and still getting better. He’s the kind of player you can build a culture around-not just a roster.
Committing to him would be more than a contract extension. It would be a statement.
A signal that the Lakers are ready to pivot from chasing stars to building something sustainable.
And in a league where chemistry can be just as valuable as talent, that might be the smartest move they can make.