Austin Reaves Sticks to Usual Offseason Plan After Signing Four-Year Lakers Contract
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves said his training regimen has not changed despite landing a new four-year contract this summer, emphasizing that his offseason goal remains “getting stronger and just becoming a better basketball player.”
Speaking with reporters, the 28-year-old guard explained that he approaches every summer the same way. “The beautiful thing about basketball is you’re never going to perfect it,” he noted. “You can always get better in some aspect, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range last season. An early surge put him on track for his first All-Star selection before a Grade 2 left oblique strain sidelined him until late in the first round of the playoffs.
With LeBron James departing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Reaves is expected to shoulder a larger role alongside Luka Doncic as Los Angeles looks to stay in championship contention.
Welcoming Walker Kessler
The Lakers’ other significant move this offseason was a sign-and-trade for center Walker Kessler. Reaves, who played with Kessler on Team USA in 2023, called the 7-footer “a perfect fit” next to the club’s star backcourt. “I’m excited to have him in purple and gold,” Reaves said.
Reaves was photographed warming up at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 7, 2026, before Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, underscoring his reputation for diligent preparation—a routine he plans to maintain as he enters the first year of his new deal.
Source: Lakers Nation
