The uncertainty regarding Austin Reaves ' future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to build, and it's becoming more likely that he will decline his player option after this season. If that happens, Reaves is expected to receive lucrative offers from other teams, and the Lakers' reluctance to offer him an extension has fueled speculation about whether they truly view him as a long-term piece — or as a potential No. 2 option alongside Luka Doncic once the post-LeBron James era begins.
However, if the Purple and Gold were to take Robert Horry's perspective into account, they should consider parting ways with Reaves due to his play style.
From a purely statistical standpoint, the difference between Doncic and Reaves is significant. While the Slovenian point guard averages 28.6 points per game, the third highest in NBA history, Reaves has "only" logged 14.5 points over his career. But despite the difference in production, their playing styles are quite similar — both play an unselfish brand of basketball, prioritizing making plays for their teammates while also having the capability to take over the game with scoring.
That said, Reaves has proven time and time again that he can be elite as a bucket-getter in this league. He averaged 25.2 points per game during a stretch of games at the end of the 2024-25 regular season and 30.7 points per game for a brief run during March 2025.
Highlighting the similarities in their approach and playing style, Horry argued that the Lakers don't need both Reaves and Doncic on the roster long term. That's why he would use the former in a potential deal.
"If the Lakers are smart, they would do a sign-and-trade. And the reason I say that is because when you have a team with two players, who are pretty much the same, meaning Luka and A.R., I'm not saying they have the same skill set — they play the same position, pretty much do the same thing — it's a wash," Horry said on his podcast . "Don't get me wrong, I love A.R., but you don't need two of the same players."
After Jalen Brunson emerged as a potential All-NBA-caliber guard, the Dallas Mavericks still didn't believe he was the right long-term fit alongside Doncic. That decision left the latter without a co-star who has, since leaving Dallas, grown into a top-10 player in the league.
The Lakers don't want to make the same mistake with Reaves, who seems destined to eventually become an All-Star or even an All-NBA player.
With his versatility, confidence and willingness to adapt, Reaves has the potential to elevate Doncic's game and refine his skill set when playing off the ball. Then again, he's the only young piece on the roster that has any trade value.
The Lakers addressed their biggest issue this offseason — they signed Deandre Ayton as a starting center. But many argue the group is still not good enough to come out of the West, let alone win a championship. If that's how the season ends, the organization might have to look into making a more significant roster change. In that case, Rease could be the first domino to fall.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
