Zach Lowe predicts Austin Reaves re-signs with Lakers but trade remains possible

The future of Austin Reaves with the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the most closely watched storylines around the league, and NBA insider Zach Lowe believes clarity may come soon — even if it doesn’t guarantee long-term stability.

Reaves holds a $14.8 million player option for the 2026–27 season, an option Lowe expects the guard to decline in favor of negotiating a new deal with the Lakers during the upcoming offseason. Despite constant trade speculation, Lowe’s prediction is that Reaves ultimately remains in Los Angeles — at least initially.

Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show, the veteran analyst explained why he expects the Lakers to keep Reaves, even amid persistent rumors.

“People are going to throw fake Austin Reaves trades into the trade machine until February 5th,” Lowe said.

“My bet would be the Lakers keep him. I think they re-sign him over the summer.”

Lowe went a step further, suggesting Reaves may be willing to leave money on the table to stay in Los Angeles.

“I’ll be even more specific,” Lowe continued.

“I bet he takes slightly less than the max to stay in LA, even though I think he could get the max other places.”

Reaves’ Role in the Luka Dončić Era

How the 2025–26 season unfolds will play a major role in determining whether Reaves is truly part of the Lakers’ long-term vision alongside Luka Dončić.

Lowe framed Reaves’ future as a strategic decision rather than a reflection of his talent.

“Then you make a decision for the Lakers,” Lowe said.

“Does Reaves, plus Luka, plus whatever else is here — is that the path in the Luka era? Or do we then look to flip Reaves when he has a bigger salary and could net us more stuff?”

That flexibility is key. A new contract would raise Reaves’ salary, making him a more powerful trade asset if the Lakers decide to reshape the roster around Dončić.

Trade Buzz Won’t Go Away

Despite Lowe’s belief that the Lakers prefer to keep Reaves, league-wide interest remains strong.

According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, rival executives continue to monitor Reaves’ situation closely, particularly with his expected opt-out approaching.

“Reaves is a very interesting scenario that keeps getting brought up when we talk to rival teams,” Siegel noted.

“It’s hard to imagine the Lakers trade him, but he will most likely opt out and enter free agency as one of the better guys on the market.”

The big question remains whether the Lakers are willing to offer Reaves a full max contract, especially if that cements him as Dončić’s long-term No. 2 option.

“Does he want to be the number two to Luka Dončić in LA long term?” Siegel asked.

“Or will he pull a Jalen Brunson and leave to be a star elsewhere?”

Injury Complicates the Picture

Reaves’ strong start to the season was interrupted by a calf injury, sidelining him during a stretch in which the Lakers struggled to maintain momentum. Over their last 10 games, Los Angeles has gone 4–6, further fueling speculation about roster adjustments.

Still, the Lakers enter 2026 with a 20–11 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, and remain focused on building stability around Dončić.

A Decision That Shapes the Future

Whether Austin Reaves is viewed as a foundational piece or a valuable trade chip may depend less on his individual play and more on how the Lakers envision the Dončić era unfolding.

For now, Zach Lowe’s prediction is clear: Reaves stays, signs a new deal, and remains part of the Lakers’ plans — even if that commitment doesn’t eliminate future trade possibilities.