Episode
What if Austin Reaves Wants the Max? Could the Lakers Lose Reaves AND LeBron James?
- Published
- Jun 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2108
- Processing state
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- https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lakers/
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Summary
For much of the year, the expectation was that LeBron James wouldn't be back next season, but Austin Reaves would. Then the vibes (and the results) shifted, and it seemed like both would be back. Now, it looks like James is a little more iffy, but the assumption remains that the Lakers will re-sign Reaves. But Brad Turner of the LA Times, speaking on Spectrum Sportsnet (the Lakers TV home) said that Reaves is looking for the maximum amount of money he can get, and isn't interested in giving the Lakers a hometown discount. Some of this is obviously potential posturing, and a ton depends on how much teams like Brooklyn or Chicago -- franchises that have the space to give Reaves that kind of money -- actually are willing to offer, if anything. And then how high the Lakers go. Meanwhile, as the pendulum with James seems again to be swinging towards his departure, it's worth asking, could the Lakers lose both of them? It's not the most likely outcome, but also isn't impossible. What would that mean for the Lakers this summer? And how does the number the Lakers land on -- $30 vs.$35 vs. $40 vs. $45 million a year -- impact how they put a highly competitive team on the floor, not just this year but down the road? And what would happen in the unlikely (but not impossible) event that both left? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin wants max money? SEGMENT 2: Who might force the Lakers' hand? SEGMENT 3: What happens if he leaves? If he AND LeBron go? Photo: Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: ht…