Lakers Insider: 55% Chance Austin Reaves Isn't with LA After LeBron James Retires

There is a chance the Los Angeles Lakers might lose Austin Reaves when it comes time to exercise his player option after the 2026-27 season.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes LeBron James' retirement, which is anticipated following next season, could cause a ripple effect that impacts Reaves' future with the team.

"I would say it's close to 50-50," Buha said in his podcast, Buha's Block (48:50 mark). "I would lean probably 55 percent (he does) not (stay) because he can opt out after next season and I think he's going to have a competitive market."

He added:

"(Reave's future is) depending on... the Lakers potentially going in a different direction or having some difficult decisions to make if LeBron retires. So if LeBron retires all of a sudden, you have to decide what you want to do with AD, how you're going to find that star to play with him."

For the past seven years, the Lakers have focused on building a team designed to give James the best chances of winning. However, with the prospect of a LeBron-less roster looming, the organization will face some tough decisions in the years ahead.

Prior to the season, Reaves signed a four-year, $53.83 million contract with the Lakers. However, if he decides to leave, Buha said he could command a contract worth at least a $75 million for three years elsewhere.

"The Lakers are obviously high on him they have refused to trade him... and I think they're going to want to keep him, he's a fan favorite," Buha said. "(But), given the uncertainty of where the Lakers could be in the summer of 2026, I will leave open the possibility that Austin is potentially getting a bigger contract elsewhere."

For now, Reaves and the Lakers remain focused, holding an 11-7 record this season as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Friday.