**Oh No He Didn’t: Austin Reaves on Bronny, LeBron, and Lakers’ Future**
*By Dave McMenamin | November 15, 2025*
Austin Reaves didn’t hold back recently when sharing a playful jab on social media, saying, “How about Bronny starting in the NBA and LeBron’s assigned to the G League. That’s awesome.” The comment has sparked plenty of reactions across basketball circles, capturing the spirited locker room demeanor of the Lakers’ rising star.
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### Lakers Wrap Up Road Trip with a Strong Showing
The Lakers closed out their road trip with a solid 119-95 victory, improving their record to 10-4. Key performances included Luka Doncic dropping 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists along with 2 blocks. Austin Reaves contributed 25 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Timely contributions also came from Josh Hayes, who posted 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Lakers face a big week, especially with LeBron James’ much-anticipated return looming. The schedule lightens with only two games, providing the team valuable practice time to regroup and recalibrate.
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### Close Call in New Orleans but Lakers Hold On
In another tense outing, the Lakers edged the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104. Now sitting at 9-4 overall and 2-0 in NBA Cup group play, the team showed resilience and depth.
Reaves led the way again with 31 points and 7 assists, while Doncic recorded 24 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Ayton dominated the boards with 20 points and 16 rebounds, supplemented by 2 steals. Rui Hachimura chipped in 14 points and 4 rebounds, and Marcus Smart added 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals despite a rough 1-for-10 shooting night from beyond the arc.
The Lakers’ road trip will conclude with a matchup in Milwaukee scheduled for Saturday.
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### A Unique Bromance: Reaves and Doncic’s Chemistry
Off the court, Austin Reaves has developed a distinctive bond with Luka Doncic, a friendship dubbed a “bromance” by multiple Lakers sources. Their relationship thrives on mutual teasing and locker room humor.
When Reaves told ESPN he believed Doncic could average 40 points this season, Luka responded with a smirk and a blunt “Austin’s stupid.” In return, when Reaves was asked to describe Doncic, he quipped, “He’s an idiot.” Commentator JJ Redick highlighted their shared love for trash talk, pointing out how this rapport helps create authentic chemistry on the court.
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### Contract Extension Talks & Future Outlook
On June 23, a day after the NBA Finals concluded, Reaves and his agents, Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, participated in a videoconference with Lakers leadership — including acting governor Jeanie Buss, president of basketball operations and GM Rob Pelinka, and head coach JJ Redick. During the 45-minute call, the Lakers officially extended a four-year, $89 million contract offer to Reaves.
Following that, Reaves exited, while discussions continued among his representatives and the Lakers’ front office regarding his long-term fit and the franchise’s direction.
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### League Perspectives on Reaves’ Value
An Eastern Conference front office executive told ESPN, “AR’s a stud. If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce.”
Reaves shares his All-NBA teammates’ championship aspirations but remains mindful of his personal goals. “At the end of the day, team success is going to help me,” he said. “If I help us, then it will help me in the long haul, when you’re winning.”
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### What’s Next on the Horizon for Austin Reaves?
This summer, Reaves will be eligible for unrestricted free agency—and could sign a five-year deal worth up to $241 million with the Lakers or a four-year deal totaling approximately $178.5 million elsewhere, according to NBA salary cap analyst Bobby Marks. The first-year salary would be around $41.5 million, equating to 25% of the 2026-27 salary cap.
Sources emphasize that while Reaves isn’t solely driven by maxing out his earnings, he is well aware of industry standards and his market value. Notably, contemporaries like Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro secured contract extensions paying them roughly 20% of the cap.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Austin Reaves—not only for his performances on the court but also for the contract decisions that could redefine his role in the NBA’s next generation.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/austin-reaves-bronny-james-starting-050208396.html