Lakers Stirring Up Attention Following Major Stake Sale
The Lakers have been in the spotlight lately, especially following a record-setting sale of a majority stake in the team.
Now, there’s some interesting roster news making waves.
This week, Lakers guard Austin Reeves decided against a maximum contract extension worth $89.2 million over the next four years. According to reports from Athletic, he expressed that he thinks it might be best to wait for a while. Importantly, this choice wasn’t driven by any animosity.
League sources explained that his decision was influenced by restrictions on what the Lakers could offer this week.
Reeves, currently in the third year of a four-year, $54 million contract he signed as a restricted free agent in 2023, is set to opt out and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Lakers are reportedly keen on keeping Reeves as a key player alongside stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, showing no signs of wanting to part ways with him.
This news comes just a day after Lakers owner Johnny Bus confirmed the sale of the team to Marc Walter, who has been a minority owner since 2021.
Despite the ownership changes, Bus is still the governor of the franchise and will likely continue overseeing daily operations for the foreseeable future.
Ownership transitions are expected to conclude between July and December 2025.
After finishing the regular season strong, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs by the Timberwolves.
In that decisive Game 5, Minnesota triumphed 103-96.
Reeves had a breakout regular season, averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game, although he struggled in the playoffs due to toe injuries. On the other hand, James faced his own challenges; he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the season-ending game. His decision regarding his playing future is expected this week.
James, now 40, will consider his NBA future with his family after completing a remarkable 22 seasons.
The four-time champion has a player option worth $52.6 million with a deadline at the end of June, and sources suggest he might choose to opt in.
