Overview
- Athletic reporting echoed across outlets says Reaves is expected to hit free agency with offers near or above $40 million per year, with the Bulls and Nets holding the cap space to reach that range and the Hawks and Jazz identified as interested if they create room.
- Team officials say there is mutual interest in a new deal, and reports add that Dončić wants Reaves retained while LeBron James has publicly praised Reaves’ rise and work ethic.
- GM Rob Pelinka stressed offseason “optionality,” pointing to the draft, trades, and free agency to add a lob-threat center and two-way wings while securing a long-term secondary playmaker next to Dončić, a role Reaves already fills.
- Dončić is reportedly pain-free in his hamstring and back on last summer’s strict diet, a positive sign for planning a roster that maximizes his prime.
- Reaves, 27, is coming off a career year at 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, and league chatter notes his choice will weigh winning as well as pay, with any Lakers deal shaping how much flexibility remains for LeBron James and other moves.