Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Marcus Smart earlier this summer, questions have begun to circle regarding Austin Reaves’ spot in the starting lineup.
Smart’s defensive upside makes him a logical addition in JJ Redick’s starting rotation. His presence would ease concerns over Luka Doncic’s defensive shortcomings and LeBron James’ age-related “selective defense.”
The problem is, inserting Smart into the starting lineup likely means demoting (potential) impending free agent Austin Reaves. The 27-year-old has a player option for the 2026-27 season, but is likely to opt out and sign an improved deal.
Reaves shone as a member of the Lakers’ starting unit last season. In 73 games, all of which he started, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He shot 54.7% from 2-point range and 37.7% from deep.
According to Jovan Buha, moving Reaves to the bench could push him toward exploring his options in free agency next summer.
“If the Los Angeles Lakers want to keep Austin, I don’t see how you can sell him on a bench role,” Buha said via his “Buha’s Block” podcast. “… If they’re moving Austin to the bench, that is shifting things toward him potentially being elsewhere next summer.”
Lakers’ Lineup Decision Could Determine Reaves’ Future
Analyst Believes Smart Should Come Off The Bench
Mike Breshahan of the “Lakeshow podcast” doesn’t believe Smart should instantly be given a starting role within the Lakers’ rotation.
“Is he in that starting five?” Breshahan asked. “I don’t think so. He played okay with Washington towards the end of his brief run with them last season. I got to see him play some games. He just hasn’t played a full season.”
When factoring in how moving Smart into the starting unit could impact Reaves, the argument for keeping him with the second unit gathers steam. Smart could still spend significant time next to James and Doncic, though, assuming Redick is creative with his substitution patterns and rotations.
Reaves Is Important to the Lakers
Keeping Reaves around long-term will likely be among the Lakers’ primary goals heading into next summer. He’s gone from strength to strength since joining the franchise as an undrafted rookie in 2021. Furthermore, he’s a genuine fan-favorite who has proven himself at every level.
Smart is a short-term addition to the Lakers’ roster. His addition is to provide some defensive balance to a Lakers roster that ranked 17th in the NBA for defensive rating last season. He doesn’t need to be a starter to make that impact.
Still, the most logical outcome is that both Smart and Reaves share starting responsibilities depending on the matchup. That way, both players will be put in the best position to succeed, both as individuals and as part of the team.
Nevertheless, if Reaves’ future with the franchise is contingent on a starting role, then it’s hard to envision him being dropped in favor of Smart. After all, Rob Pelinka is building for now, and for the future, and Reaves projects to be a core part of both timelines.