The Los Angeles Lakers were hit with a brutal setback when Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves went down in the same game during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Reaves suffered an oblique injury and is expected to miss 3–5 weeks, putting his postseason status in serious doubt. And with free agency looming on July 1, many around the league are asking a difficult question:
Reaves has made it clear he loves Los Angeles. But his contract situation tells another story. He has been extension-eligible since last summer, yet the Lakers can only offer him up to $87.4 million over four years.
And he’s right. On an open market, Reaves is positioned to earn significantly bigger offers, especially with multiple teams preparing for cap space.
If LeBron James walks in free agency, the Lakers suddenly gain flexibility. Without his $52.6 million salary on the books, the team could open over $50 million in cap space to surround Dončić with young talent .
The front office could build a long-term core around Dončić, Reaves, and Deandre Ayton while using assets like Dalton Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt to chase additional help.
The Bulls and Nets are the only teams with major cap space this summer. Chicago’s direction is unclear after a front-office shakeup, while Brooklyn may want veterans to complement Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton.
Still, none of these scenarios guarantee a major threat to the Lakers unless Reaves is determined to explore a bigger role elsewhere.
If the Lakers decide their ceiling with Dončić and Reaves isn’t high enough, a sign-and-trade becomes possible.
Utah has been rumored as a potential buyer, with assets like Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and center Walker Kessler in the mix.
Probably not but it’s no longer impossible.Reaves’ injury, rising value, and the Lakers’ uncertain offseason have opened the door to outcomes that once seemed unrealistic.