Lakers Rumors: Can Los Angeles Re-Sign $54 Million Star Without Defensive Growth?

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign, winning 50 games and proving they have the talent, depth, and leadership to contend. Yet, despite the optimism, history suggests their championship hopes hinge on one critical issue: Austin Reaves’ defense.As Maxwell Ogden wrote, “If Austin Reaves can’t step up on defense, then history will prevent the Lakers from bringing him back.” That observation cuts to the heart of the matter, as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a future where Reaves is due for a major extension.

Austin Reaves’ Offensive Leap

Austin Reaves has evolved from an undrafted hopeful into one of the Lakers’ most reliable weapons. His 2024-25 numbers highlight his rise:

Reaves joined elite company as one of just eight qualified players to average at least 20 points, 5 assists, and 2.5 three-pointers per game. The list includes Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Jayson Tatum - clear proof that his offensive production is not to be overlooked.

Playing alongside stars like Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James, Reaves still managed to carve out a high-usage role. But the Los Angeles Lakers’ concerns go beyond what he can provide on offense.

Championship Blueprints Point to Defense

The last three NBA champions - the Thunder, Celtics, and Nuggets - proved one undeniable truth: winning teams rely on defensive stability at the shooting guard position.

Examples from Past Champions:

• 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, and Jalen Williams provided top-tier defense next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

• 2024 Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White formed a defensive trio while Brown maintained high scoring numbers. • 2023 Denver Nuggets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Christian Braun anchored the 2-spot defensively alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who himself improved on defense during the title run.These champions prove that even elite offensive teams need their guards to avoid being defensive liabilities.

Reaves’ current struggles in this area make the Lakers’ decision more complicated.

What the Los Angeles Lakers Need From Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers don’t need Austin Reaves to become an All-Defensive player. What they do need is for him to eliminate his reputation as an easy target for isolation plays. At minimum, he must rise to the level Jamal Murray reached during Denver’s championship run: solid, dependable, and far from exploitable.If he can make that leap, Los Angeles will have little hesitation in locking him into a lucrative extension.

But if his defense lags, the Lakers risk capping their championship ceiling, even with Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis leading the way.The Lakers are in a position to contend for years, but they can’t ignore recent history. The blueprint from the Thunder, Celtics, and Nuggets is clear - defense from the 2-spot matters as much as scoring.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Send $45 Million Star to Chicago Bulls in Blockbuster 3-Team DealAustin Reaves has already beaten the odds once in his career. Now, his ability to grow defensively will decide not only his contract future but also the Los Angeles Lakers’ shot at returning to championship glory.