The Los Angeles Lakers endured a turbulent 2025 NBA season, culminating in a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team with a worse regular-season record. The 4-1 series loss sparked intense discussions about the weaknesses the Lakers must address to return to championship contention. Amid the spotlight on LeBron James and Luka Dončić—two superstars deemed “untouchable”—a surprising name has emerged alongside them: Austin Reaves.
The Lakers’ Journey and Major Challenges
The 2024-2025 season marked a pivotal moment for the Lakers, who pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and other assets. The move sent shockwaves through the NBA, raising hopes that the pairing of 40-year-old veteran LeBron James and 26-year-old prodigy Dončić would propel the Lakers back to glory. The Lakers delivered an impressive regular season, finishing with 50 wins and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference—their best performance since the 2019-2020 championship season.
However, the playoffs told a different story. Without a true center after parting with Davis, the Lakers were exposed under the basket by the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert dominated Game 5 with 27 points and 24 rebounds, while coach JJ Redick’s small-ball strategy failed to compensate for the team’s lack of size and strength. This defeat raised significant questions about the team’s future, especially with LeBron and Dončić facing critical contract decisions this offseason.
Austin Reaves: The Unexpected Name
As the Lakers look to retool their roster to support their superstar duo, a shocking revelation came from Jovan Buha of The Athletic: Austin Reaves, the 26-year-old guard, is considered “untouchable” alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. This news stunned fans, particularly since Reaves did not shine in the playoff series against Minnesota, drawing criticism for his lackluster performance. Yet, the Lakers’ front office appears to have unwavering faith in his potential.
Reaves, who joined the Lakers in 2021, has shown steady improvement each season. With a team-friendly contract ($13.9 million for the 2025-2026 season and a player option in 2026-2027), he is one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets. His intelligent play, versatile ball-handling, and reliable three-point shooting have made him a key piece in JJ Redick’s system. Notably, Reaves often steps up as a playmaker when LeBron or Dončić rest, showcasing his potential to become a future leader.
According to Buha, the Lakers have rejected all trade inquiries involving Reaves over the past three years. “I think the likelihood of Reaves being traded is very low, at least this offseason,” Buha said in his Lakers Mailbag. “The Lakers do not want to trade Austin Reaves. That’s something I’ve heard consistently for over three years. They have a very high threshold for moving him; they value him greatly and hold him in high regard.”
Front Office Endorsement
The confidence in Reaves extends beyond rumors. After the playoff loss, both coach JJ Redick and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka publicly praised Reaves in end-of-season press conferences. Pelinka even described Reaves as “one of the pillars of the organization.” This bold statement underscores that the Lakers view Reaves not only as part of their present but also as a cornerstone of their long-term plans, especially as LeBron James may only have one or two seasons left.
However, in the cutthroat world of the NBA, praise doesn’t always guarantee security. “Business is business,” as Buha noted, and the Lakers may need to consider all options to improve their roster. With financial constraints under the NBA’s new salary cap rules, the Lakers must leverage contracts like those of Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, or Rui Hachimura to pursue major trades, particularly to address the glaring need for a quality center exposed by the Timberwolves.
Is Reaves Truly Worth It?
The Lakers’ decision to label Reaves as “untouchable” has sparked debate among fans. Some argue that, while talented, Reaves has not yet reached the star status to be placed on the same pedestal as LeBron and Dončić. His underwhelming playoff performance further fuels skepticism about his true value in the team’s grand plans.
On the other hand, Reaves’ supporters highlight his ability to bring balance to the Lakers’ roster. His low-usage playing style allows him to thrive alongside ball-dominant stars like LeBron and Dončić. At 26, Reaves still has room to grow, particularly as a secondary or tertiary leader. If the Lakers aim to build around Dončić in the future, Reaves could be an ideal long-term complement.
Where Do the Lakers Go From Here?
The loss to the Timberwolves exposed significant flaws in the Lakers’ roster, particularly the absence of a center capable of competing with the West’s elite teams. The failure to complete a trade for Charlotte Hornets’ Mark Williams earlier is now seen as a critical misstep that contributed to the Lakers’ playoff collapse. This offseason, Pelinka and the front office must prioritize adding a rim protector and improving roster depth while maintaining the core of LeBron, Dončić, and Reaves.
Additionally, the Lakers face crucial decisions regarding LeBron James, who has a $52.6 million player option for next season, and Luka Dončić, who may consider a long-term contract extension. Convincing Dončić that this year’s failure was a fluke will be a top priority, and Reaves’ role in the team’s plans could be a key factor in building that confidence.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ decision to deem Austin Reaves “untouchable” alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić is a surprising move that reflects their long-term vision. While LeBron remains the heart of the Lakers and Dončić represents the future, Reaves symbolizes stability and growth potential. Despite lingering doubts, the front office’s faith in Reaves could be a critical piece in the Lakers’ quest to construct a championship-contending roster. The summer of 2025 promises to be a challenging yet opportunity-filled period as the Lakers aim to redefine their path to an 18th NBA title.