Austin Reaves has transformed from an undrafted player into a critical starter for the Los Angeles Lakers, and his significance appears to be growing even further this 2025-26 season. As the Lakers aim to secure a top seed in the Western Conference and sustain their championship ambitions, analyst Kendrick Perkins highlights Reaves’ influence as among the most vital in the league.
Stepping Up in LeBron James’ Absence and Maintaining Team Momentum
Reaves initially made a major impact when LeBron James missed time due to sciatica, filling the void admirably. His own brief injury absence in December exposed just how essential he has become for the team, as the Lakers struggled noticeably without him. Upon Reaves’ return, the team’s performance improved swiftly, underscoring his importance on and off the court.
Proving His Worth Against Strong Competition
Reaves reinforced his rising status with a standout performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 35 points and demonstrating his ability to excel under pressure. Around the NBA, his value continues to grow as he adapts seamlessly to various lineups and consistently delivers in critical moments. With Reaves, now 27, approaching unrestricted free agency, experts, including Kendrick Perkins, stress the importance of the Lakers securing him with a substantial contract.
Kendrick Perkins’ Bold View on Reaves’ Rising Role
On a recent NBA on ESPN broadcast, Kendrick Perkins made a striking claim regarding Reaves’ standing in the league:
Image of: Austin Reaves
“LeBron is not the second option no more. That’s Austin Reaves. Austin Reaves is not only the most important player outside of Luka on the Los Angeles Lakers, but one could argue he’s the most important player in the NBA,”
Perkins stated.
He added,
“Because right now, when I look at this Lakers team, we’re talking about Austin Reaves auditioning,”
expressing how Reaves is stepping into a leadership and key contributor role with growing intensity.
The Shifting Dynamics with LeBron and Luka Doncic
Though LeBron James continues to display moments of brilliance at age 41, he is no longer the dominant figure he once was. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic consistently delivers exceptional performances for the Dallas Mavericks. This opens a crucial opportunity for a true secondary star—the Pippen to Luka’s Jordan—and Reaves fits this role well, fulfilling multiple requirements for a complementary co-leader.
Questions Surrounding the Future Franchise Core
Perkins posed an important question about the Lakers’ future direction:
“The biggest question out there is when they move, or if they move from LeBron which it seems like it’s trending that way, can Luka and Austin Reaves be those two franchise Max guys that you can build a championship around?”
He further noted,
“And if the answer is no, then we know that some other team out there in the league is going to believe,”
underscoring the urgency for the Lakers to commit to Reaves.
Lessons from Other Teams and the Value of Retaining Reaves
The Lakers face a critical decision reminiscent of the Atlanta Hawks’ handling of Trae Young. Despite Young being the franchise’s centerpiece, Atlanta declined to offer a major contract, leading to a noticeable dip in Young’s motivation and his eventual trade to the Wizards. Perkins warned against repeating this mistake with Reaves, whose market worth continues to climb. If Los Angeles hesitates, another team will seize the opportunity for a valuable asset.
Reaves as the Bridge Between Lakers Eras
This moment is more than a contract issue—it represents a defining choice for the Lakers’ identity and future. Reaves symbolizes a link from the LeBron James era to what lies beyond, offering productivity, marketability, and ongoing growth. Committing to Reaves could mean prioritizing stability and chemistry over risky attempts to find a superstar co-star, possibly allowing the franchise to build around a proven and evolving talent.
