Robert Horry believes the Los Angeles Lakers need to take a hard look at their future with guard Austin Reaves.
During a recent episode of Big Shot Bob, the seven-time NBA champion said the franchise would be wise to pursue a sign-and-trade deal when Reaves hits free agency.
“If the Lakers were smart, they would do a sign and trade,” Horry said, via HoopsHype. “And the reason I say that is because when you have a team with two players who are pretty much the same, meaning Luka and AR, and I’m not saying they have the same skill set. They play the same position, they pretty much do the same thing. It’s a wash.”
Horry noted that while he admires Reaves’ game, roster construction is about balance. “Don’t get me wrong, I love AR and I think he could play, but you don’t need two of the same players,” he continued. “You think about the NBA, it’s all about a fit. You look at all the great teams, they all have something different. There’s no two Jokers. There’s no two Giannises, no two Shai Gilgeouses.”
Reaves, 27, is currently on one of the NBA’s most team-friendly contracts. He signed a four-year, $53.8 million deal in 2023, but he is expected to decline his player option after the 2026–27 season and test unrestricted free agency.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points reported that multiple teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, are already monitoring his situation. With cap space available in 2026, rival front offices see him as one of the top perimeter playmakers who could hit the market.
Reaves has steadily elevated his game since going undrafted in 2021. Last season, he averaged a career-high 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three.
He has also shown he can perform under playoff pressure. Across three postseason runs, he has averaged 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in nearly 37 minutes per game.
The challenge for the Lakers is balancing his potential payday with their current star-studded roster. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James already commanding significant salaries, a new max-level deal for Reaves could push the franchise deeper into the luxury tax.
The Spurs, looking to maximize Victor Wembanyama’s development, are viewed as a logical suitor. Other teams with cap flexibility in 2026 are also expected to join the pursuit.
