Austin Reaves has made his intentions clear regarding his future with the Los Angeles Lakers. The talented guard, who is set to enter free agency this summer, told TMZ Sports that he would love to "run it back" with LeBron James and the Purple and Gold for the 2026-27 season.
The 27-year-old Reaves spoke with reporters following the Lakers' disappointing playoff exit, during which the team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the early postseason conclusion, Reaves appears committed to the Lakers organization and eager to compete for a championship alongside the veteran superstar.
The upcoming free agent will face a significant decision in the coming weeks. Reaves is expected to decline his player option and test the open market, where he will undoubtedly attract considerable interest from teams across the league. His decision comes on the heels of his best statistical season as a professional, during which he averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The Lakers' 2025-26 campaign was hampered by injuries to key players, including Reaves himself and Luka Dončić. The absence of these contributors at full strength left Lakers fans wondering what might have been possible with a healthy roster throughout the postseason. Reaves appears to share that sentiment, expressing optimism about what the team could accomplish if everyone remains available next season.
While Reaves seems inclined to return to Los Angeles, the situation surrounding LeBron James remains far less certain. The future Hall of Famer faces his own decision regarding his next move, and his choice will likely influence the direction of the franchise. However, Reaves has made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to continue their partnership and pursue another championship run together.
The Lakers front office now faces critical decisions that will shape the roster for years to come. Retaining Reaves will likely require a substantial financial commitment, but his youth, production, and apparent loyalty to the organization make him an attractive cornerstone piece. His public statements suggest that Los Angeles remains his preferred destination, which could provide the team with leverage in negotiations despite expected competition from other franchises.
As the offseason approaches, Lakers Nation will be watching closely to see whether the organization can retain both Reaves and James while building a roster capable of competing for a championship. For now, at least one key piece has signaled his desire to remain in purple and gold.
