Austin Reaves Reportedly Wants to Be a “Laker for Life”: Inside the Making of L.A.’s Rising Star
In an era of constant player movement and shifting loyalties, the Los Angeles Lakers may have found something rare — a rising star who doesn’t just want to wear the purple and gold… he wants to retire in it.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, speaking on the FullCourtPass podcast, Austin Reaves has expressed his deep desire to stay with the franchise long-term. “He wants to be a Laker for life,” Buha revealed, adding fuel to the already-growing belief that Reaves is more than just a role player — he’s a foundational piece of the team’s future.
The Journey from Undrafted to Unshakable
Reaves’ path to Lakers stardom is already the stuff of Hollywood scripts. Undrafted in 2021, he signed a two-way contract with L.A. and quickly defied expectations. By the end of his rookie season, his gritty defense, clutch shooting, and high basketball IQ earned him a standard contract and the trust of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Now entering the 2025–26 season, Reaves has blossomed into one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards. Averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and shooting over 39% from three in the 2024–25 campaign, he’s no longer just a fan favorite — he’s a legitimate piece of the Lakers’ core alongside Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, and (should he stay healthy) Anthony Davis.
Loyalty in the Modern NBA
“I just feel like I belong here,” Reaves said in a past interview. “The fans, the culture, the expectations — it’s not for everybody, but it’s for me.”
Reaves’ loyalty stands out in a league where players often chase championships or max contracts across multiple franchises. While he could easily have tested the market for more money or a bigger role, he chose instead to re-sign with the Lakers in 2023 on a team-friendly deal — a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Lakers brass or fans.
According to team sources, the Lakers view Reaves not only as a long-term contributor on the court but also as a cultural anchor — someone who embodies the toughness, humility, and competitive fire that define the franchise’s identity.
Future Faces of the Franchise
With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career and questions surrounding Anthony Davis’s durability, the Lakers are quietly building their next core. The recent acquisitions of Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton signal a commitment to youth and star power, but insiders say Reaves is just as central to the plan.
“He’s not just the glue guy anymore,” one team executive shared. “He’s part of the blueprint.”
The Bottom Line
If Reaves has his way — and the Lakers have theirs — the Arkansas native could be one of the rare few to spend his entire career in one jersey. He’s not just auditioning for a long-term role anymore. He’s earned it.
And in a city that demands both flash and fight, Austin Reaves has proven he has both in spades.
As Buha said, “He wants to be a Laker for life.” And more and more, it looks like the Lakers want that too.
