Is Austin Reaves a Good Long Term Running Mate for Luka Dončić?

The Lakers have a lot of questions in front of them, now that Luka Dončić has signed his extension with the team. Most of them revolve around how best to build around the new superstar, and fundamental to that question is the future of Austin Reaves. It is widely assumed that next summer Reaves will attract a contract worth north of $30 million annually. Possibly around $35, if he has another season that looks like last year. It's also widely assumed that the Lakers will be the team that pays him. But while that contract number isn't out of line for someone with AR's numbers, it definitely would remove Reaves from the "best bargains in basketball" category, where he's sat for the last few seasons. So what does that impact the way the Lakers should look at him going forward? Many analysts look at Dončić and note that the players with whom he tends to thrive are generally athletic centers who can finish above the rim, and shooters to space the floor (ideally ones that can defend, as well). Basically, offensive players that can take advantage of his myriad skills, while also helping cover for his biggest weakness (high end defense). Reaves is an excellent player, but isn't either of those things. That's less an issue when he's making $14 mil or so than $35, because the Lakers would have less money to fill holes Reaves can't. On the other hand, he's really good, and the pairing was pretty effective last year in terms of net rating. So clearly they can play together. But how do the Lakers build a roster as players they like get pricier? Could LeBron James actually be a useful bridge for one more season if the goal really is to keep flexibility for the summer of '27? How exactly are the Lakers viewing roster building, big picture? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Is Austin Reaves an ideal running mate for Luka? SEGMENT 2: What are LA's options when it comes to Reaves? Pros and cons? SEGMENT 3: Is LeBron a potential bridge for the Lakers? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.