Lakers predicted to part ways with Austin Reaves, sign $304M three-time MVP, NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to make the right moves for the future while keeping Luka Dončić happy. It has been quite the journey since the Lakers traded for Dončić two years ago.

The Lakers have been disappointed by their last two playoff appearances. This free agency cycle, they were able to re-sign Austin Reaves to a massive contract.

“Reaves, who originally agreed to a four-year, $185 million extension with a player option on the final season, ended up inking a four-year, $180 million deal, league sources confirmed to ESPN. Reaves' decision, sources told ESPN, will give the Lakers more financial flexibility moving forward ,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.

Dončić and Reaves have formed an excellent duo in the backcourt. The Lakers superstar has made it clear that he wants to win ever since arriving in Los Angeles.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

The future is setting up nicely for Dončić, and the Lakers are clearly building around him as their franchise centerpiece. Next summer could be massive for Los Angeles, and Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes the Lakers would be willing to move on from Reaves to pursue Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.

“Jokic can become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his player option. The three-time MVP is refusing to sign an extension. He says he wants to be a Nugget for life, but the franchise has to be worried. They’ve won just two playoff series in the last three years. Jokic wants to win and is good friends with Luka Doncic. The Lakers would dump Austin Reaves in an instant to sign the Joker,” Watts wrote.

If the Lakers could somehow lure Jokic away from the Nuggets in free agency, it would be a game-changing move for the organization. Reaves would be gone, but Los Angeles would potentially form one of the most dominant duos in the NBA with Dončić and Jokic.

Jokic has made $304 million throughout his career. The two superstars would be able to see the entire court, create for themselves and facilitate for their teammates at an elite level. Lakers head coach JJ Redick would have a field day designing offensive schemes around two of the best playmakers in the league.

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