Austin Reaves received a golden opportunity to show the Los Angeles Lakers that he'll be worth big money once the summer of 2026 rolls around, and he has taken full advantage of it. Through his first five games of the new season,

The Los Angeles Lakers have had two full days off after they lost their 2025-26 regular-season opener to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As a result, they have had a little time to review their deficiencies and get some rest before they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are out for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries, with the former yet to play this season due to sciatica and the latter missing their last three games as he nurses a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion. Amid their absence, however, Austin Reaves has carried the Purple and Gold.

The LA Lakers are getting a boost soon after the latest good news about rookie Adou Thiero on Wednesday. Thiero hasn't made his debut yet as he recovers from left knee surgery.

As the 2025-26 campaign unfolds, the contract decision of Austin Reaves has quietly become one of the most consequential storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Fresh off