The NBA offseason is heating up, and one of the biggest storylines involves a player who went from undrafted to indispensable: Austin Reaves. As the Los Angeles Lakers face a pivotal summer, Reaves is reportedly set to test unrestricted free agency, and his market value is a hot topic for fans and analysts alike.
After missing time with a Grade 2 oblique strain, Reaves made a remarkable return for the playoffs. He logged hours in a hyperbaric chamber to speed up his recovery, rejoining the Lakers just in time to help eliminate the Houston Rockets in Round 1. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, he averaged nearly 21 points and seven assists per game, capped by a gutsy 27-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist performance in 43 minutes. It was a valiant effort, but not enough to prevent a second straight sweep—this time sending the Lakers into an offseason full of tough decisions.
Beyond the obvious question of LeBron James' future—whether he'll stay, retire, or chase a title elsewhere—the Lakers must decide how to use three first-round draft picks (the 25th pick in 2026, plus their 2031 and 2033 selections) to bolster their roster around Luka Dončić. But right behind that is the Reaves dilemma.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma in 2021, Reaves has become one of the league's most efficient and versatile offensive playmakers. He can score, create for others, and thrive with or without the ball, performing at a borderline All-Star level. The Lakers have a history of developing hidden gems, and Reaves is a shining example. Now, he's in line for a massive pay raise—and potentially a fresh start elsewhere.
When asked about his plans after Monday's loss, the fifth-year guard kept it simple: "I'm gonna..." He paused, then added, "I'm not really the planning type. I just go with the flow." That laid-back attitude might change once offers start rolling in. For the Lakers, keeping him could mean matching a hefty offer sheet—or watching a homegrown star walk.
Whether Reaves stays in purple and gold or suits up elsewhere, one thing is clear: his market value is about to reflect his undeniable impact on the court. For fans, it's a reminder that the NBA's offseason drama is just as thrilling as the playoffs themselves.