Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves said the team’s refusal to surrender in the face of key injuries will define its 2025-26 campaign, even after a season-ending sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 7 at Paycom Center.
“It’s been fun, it’s been a grind,” Reaves told reporters in the locker room after Game 4. “A lot of things didn’t go our way, and there were plenty of chances to quit, but that’s not who we are.”
Injuries threatened season on April 2
The Lakers’ postseason hopes appeared to unravel on Apr. 2, when both Luka Doncic and Reaves sustained Grade 2 muscle strains during a road loss to the Thunder. Doncic, an MVP candidate, missed the remainder of the year, and Reaves was sidelined for almost four weeks.
Instead of folding, Los Angeles rallied behind LeBron James and key contributions from Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard. The group defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round before falling to Oklahoma City in four games.
Free agency looms
Entering his fifth NBA offseason, Reaves is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. League sources have linked the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz to possible bids for the 27-year-old guard. Chicago and Brooklyn are projected to have sufficient cap space, while Atlanta and Utah would need to create room.
Reaves is coming off the most productive season of his career, positioning him among the top names in the 2026 free-agent class. He noted that the Lakers’ tight-knit culture could influence his ultimate decision on a long-term home.
Source: LakersNation.com
