Is Austin Reaves a Good Long Term Runnin...

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? 

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