---
title: "Lakers Should Pay Reaves, Keep Him with Luka"
description: "Tim MacMahon thinks the Lakers' decision on Reaves' future will have significant implications for the team's championship aspirations."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tim-macmahon-lakers-should-pay-reaves-keep-him-with-luka-mowxa3w4
published: 2026-05-16T05:01:18.844196+00:00
updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Lakers Should Pay Reaves, Keep Him with Luka

> Tim MacMahon thinks the Lakers' decision on Reaves' future will have significant implications for the team's championship aspirations.

The Los Angeles Lakers' decision to keep or let go of Austin Reaves will be a crucial one, with significant implications for the team's championship aspirations.

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Reaves has been a key contributor alongside LeBron James, and the Lakers should pay him to stay.

MacMahon believes that keeping Reaves could be the key to another title run, while losing him could leave a significant void in the lineup.

Reaves has emerged as a reliable scorer and playmaker, demonstrating his ability to perform in clutch situations.

His chemistry with LeBron has opened up the floor for the Lakers, allowing them to maximize their offensive potential.

Retaining Reaves not only strengthens the roster but also sends a message to the team and fans about the Lakers' commitment to building a championship-caliber squad.

Conversely, letting Reaves walk could disrupt the team's cohesion and force the Lakers to scramble for a replacement.

The market for guards is competitive, and finding a player with Reaves' skill set and familiarity with the system could prove challenging.

The stakes are high, and the Lakers must weigh their options carefully as they consider their future.

The Lakers' front office will need to consider the financial implications of retaining Reaves, as his value to the team will likely command a significant contract.

However, MacMahon's argument suggests that the benefits of keeping Reaves outweigh the costs, particularly when considering the team's championship aspirations.

By prioritizing Reaves, the Lakers can demonstrate their commitment to building a winning roster and maintaining a strong core of players.

In the context of the NBA's competitive landscape, the Lakers' decision on Reaves' future takes on added significance.

As teams continue to evolve and adapt, the ability to retain key contributors like Reaves will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge.

The Lakers must balance their short-term goals with long-term considerations, ensuring that their decision on Reaves aligns with their overall vision for the franchise.

What's next: The Lakers will need to make a decision on Reaves' future soon, and the outcome will have significant implications for the team's championship aspirations.

## Why this matters

The Lakers' decision on Reaves' future will have significant implications for the team's championship aspirations. Keeping Reaves could be the key to another title run, while losing him could leave a significant void in the lineup.

## Frequently asked

### Why should the Lakers keep Austin Reaves?

According to Tim MacMahon, Reaves has been a key contributor alongside LeBron James, and the Lakers should pay him to stay.

### What are the implications of the Lakers' decision on Reaves' future?

The Lakers' decision on Reaves' future will have significant implications for the team's championship aspirations. Keeping Reaves could be the key to another title run, while losing him could leave a significant void in the lineup.

### Who believes the Lakers should prioritize keeping Austin Reaves?

ESPN's Tim MacMahon believes the Lakers should prioritize keeping Austin Reaves on the team, alongside LeBron James.

## Sources & Citations

- [Tim MacMahon: Lakers should pay Reaves, keep him with Luka](https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/48711406/lakers-pay-reaves-keep-luka) — ESPN (2026-05-08)

---

Cite: Lakers Should Pay Reaves, Keep Him with Luka. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tim-macmahon-lakers-should-pay-reaves-keep-him-with-luka-mowxa3w4