Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The time has come to reward Austin Reaves for going from being an undrafted player to a starting guard for the Lakers.
However, some people might still be shocked by the cost. While Reaves has mentioned before that his goal is not to earn as much as possible, that doesn’t mean he won’t
be paid.
Reaves could earn $40 million plus per year on his new deal, and teams like the Nets are reportedly interested in offering him the max. Despite other potential suitors, the expectation is that Reaves will remain in Los Angeles. But what number gets that done?
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked fans how much the Lakers should pay Reaves and they definitely don’t want to give a max deal.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game last year and considering he has improved every season, he would likely still be underpaid if he earns less than $40 million a year.
If Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka can get Reaves to sign for less than $40 million and all parties involved are happy with it, that would be a colossal win. Considering Reaves’ growth and an unimpressive free agency market, this seems like wishful thinking from Lakers fans.
Reaves earning between $40-45 million, which finished second in voting, seems more logical. This would give him his big payday without the Lakers overpaying, making it a win-win scenario.
Keep or trade draft pick
In our other poll question, we asked fans if the Lakers should keep their draft pick or trade it. It was a close one, but most fans want LA to make a selection.
Both sides on this one can make a compelling case.
It’s hard to hit on your draft prospects, and even rarer for those players to be immediate contributors on winning teams. With the Lakers picking at No. 25, who will even be available that can help a playoff team in a brutal Western Conference?
However, other teams have found success in the draft. Carter Bryant was taken at No. 14 by the Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft, played 71 games for San Antonio and was a postseason player.
The Lakers should explore all options, but if they can find talent in the draft, they should focus on developing it. This is how the franchise can acquire top talent without breaking the bank.
Jalen Brunson vs. Luka Dončić
Last, but certainly not least, we asked NBA fans about the Mavericks’ failures. Jalen Brunson winning it all was a reminder that short kings can rule, but it was also another reminder for Dallas fans that they let another elite guard leave who was once a huge part of their organization.
Which Mavs decision looks worse, then: letting Brunson walk or trading Luka Dončić? In what has to be recency bias, the majority thought letting Brunson walk was worse.
Both look bad now, but the Luka decision was considered one of the most lopsided trades in history and led to the general manager, Nico Harrison, being fired within a year. The Luka trade took the Mavericks from a team that had just reached the NBA Finals into a full rebuild.
Props to Brunson for winning it all, but his leaving wasn’t disastrous for the Mavericks. Luka’s departure was far more damaging to Dallas, and while they will move on, they might never fully recover from the pain that came from that trade.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
