The Los Angeles Lakers had a very positive season, even if they couldn’t reach the NBA Finals. The biggest takeaway is that they’ve finally been competitive, with many players turning up their level. Austin Reaves, for instance, had a breakout year.
The guard stepped up in incredible ways, establishing himself in the starting lineup and proving to be a key contributor alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That’s why the team is concerned about his future.
Reaves is set to become a restricted free agent, and he’s already been linked with other teams. Therefore, it looks like the Lakers have already prepared themselves for a potential departure of the 25-year-old.
Rumor: Lakers drafted Jalen Hood-Schifino in case Austin Reaves leaves
According to Lakers Nation, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Jalen Hood-Schifino with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft as a possible replacement for Reaves, who may receive better offers in the open market.
Apart from the Indiana University product, the purple and gold reportedly had guard Kobe Bufkin, who was selected by Atlanta with the 15th pick, on their radar as well. Reaves will not be missing suitors, which is why the Lakers are contemplating every possible scenario.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
