In the wake of significant roster changes, the Los Angeles Lakers are charting a new course, with Austin Reaves emerging as a pivotal figure. His remarkable offseason commitment and growing leadership qualities have garnered high praise from new teammate Collin Sexton, signaling an exciting new chapter for the franchise. This enthusiasm comes as the Lakers rebuild around a fresh core, aiming for renewed success in the upcoming NBA season.
The Lakers have undergone a significant transformation following the departure of superstar LeBron James after an eight-season tenure that included a championship victory. Despite a successful 2025-26 season with the previous "Big Three" of James, Reaves, and Luka Doncic, their playoff run was cut short by an injury to Doncic. Now, the team is firmly focused on the future, making two strategic offseason moves to solidify their new roster.
First, Austin Reaves, an undrafted talent, secured a groundbreaking four-year, $180 million contract extension. This deal is reportedly the largest in NBA history for an undrafted player, a testament to his impressive performance and potential. His career-best season saw him average 23.3 points per game, highlighted by a spectacular 51-point outing against the Sacramento Kings. Second, the Lakers bolstered their lineup by signing Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract, positioning him to join Doncic and Reaves as the team's new formidable trio.
Reaves' substantial new contract reflects the organization's faith in his abilities and his integral role in the team's future. He is already demonstrating his commitment to repaying that trust through intense offseason preparation. The Lakers recently held a mini-camp in Luka Doncic's native Slovenia, and upon returning to the United States, several team members, including Reaves, have engaged in individual training sessions. Notably, Reaves has been working closely with new teammate Collin Sexton, who commended Reaves' dedication and proactive approach to integrating new players into the team.
Sexton, a veteran guard, shared insights into Reaves' work ethic, stating, "Each and every day when he's in the gym, he's ready to work. No complaints out of him." Sexton also highlighted Reaves' developing leadership, noting, "He's one of the leaders on the team and he comes in with an attitude of pushing each other, but also allowing players to push him. So it's fun to be around him and his competitive nature." These observations underscore Reaves' readiness to embrace his expanded role and lead the Lakers into their new era.
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a compelling new phase, marked by strategic acquisitions and the emergence of Austin Reaves as a key leader. His dedication during the offseason and positive influence on new teammates, as noted by Collin Sexton, underscore a promising future for the franchise as they build around their revitalized core.
