SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 23: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on November 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The NBA world got a little messy with a Dillon Brooks narrative this week.

But the confusion has everybody talking about a potential fit with Brooks on the Los Angeles Lakers.

The verdict? Most seem to believe that Brooks would be a valuable addition to the Lakers with his two-way contributions and enforcer-type approach. But if the Phoenix Suns were demanding Austin Reaves as the focal point of the returning package, the Lakers would reportedly reject any idea suggesting that they are willing to part ways with Reaves.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his game-winning shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves after the game at Target Center on October 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 116-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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NBA Insider Dishes the Latest on Austin Reaves in LA

“They love Austin,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported this week. “Honestly, Jeanie Buss is still the governor. … I bring that up because she’s the captain of the Austin Reaves fan club, and Rob Pelinka is as well.”

The Lakers have made some major changes up top this year, with new ownership stepping in. Ultimately, Buss and Pelinka can be overruled if a Reaves trade is desired, but there hasn’t been any indication of that.

“Right now, all signs point to them finding a way to pay Austin that massive amount that’s coming his way this summer,” Amick concluded.

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Austin Reaves is in the midst of his fifth NBA season. Last year, he averaged 20 points per game for the first time in his career, appearing in 73 games.

This season, Reaves played in 24 games before going down with a setback that will keep him off the court for one month.

In those 23 games, Reaves has shot 50 percent from the field, 36 percent from three, and averages 26.6 points. The Lakers posted a 15-8 record when he was healthy.

Whether it’s from the Lakers or not, Reaves will earn a big offer in the near future. Right now, all signs point to the Lakers investing in the young guard long-term. Soon enough, he'll be back with a chance to build on his value.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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