Lakers GM Rob Pelinka says he expects Austin Reaves to keep improving on the court and make strong leadership gains in 2026-27; he, Reaves and JJ discussed the added responsibilities of being a “max level player.”
Pelinka said the talks covered setting an example and showing others how to improve. He said Reaves embraces the challenge and has areas to work on to become a great leader.
The article says LeBron James has left for Philadelphia, with Luka Doncic as the Lakers’ star and Reaves as his running mate. It says Reaves’ larger contract brings pressure to meet or exceed expectations and describes him as having potential to become an All-Star.
