What if Austin Reaves Wants the Max? Could the Lakers Lose Reaves AND LeBron James? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 35 MIN

What if Austin Reaves Wants the Max? Could the Lakers Lose Reaves AND LeBron James?

from Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · host Locked On Podcast Network

For much of the year, the expectation was that LeBron James wouldn't be back next season, but Austin Reaves would. Then the vibes (and the results) shifted, and it seemed like both would be back. Now, it looks like James is a little more iffy, but the assumption remains that the Lakers will re-sign Reaves.  But Brad Turner of the LA Times, speaking on Spectrum Sportsnet (the Lakers TV home) said that Reaves is looking for the maximum amount of money he can get, and isn't interested in giving the Lakers a hometown discount. Some of this is obviously potential posturing, and a ton depends on how much teams like Brooklyn or Chicago -- franchises that have the space to give Reaves that kind of money -- actually are willing to offer, if anything. And then how high the Lakers go.  Meanwhile, as the pendulum with James seems again to be swinging towards his departure, it's worth asking, could the Lakers lose both of them?  It's not the most likely outcome, but also isn't impossible. What would that mean for the Lakers this summer?  And how does the number the Lakers land on -- $30 vs.$35 vs. $40 vs. $45 million a year -- impact how they put a highly competitive team on the floor, not just this year but down the road?  And what would happen in the unlikely (but not impossible) event that both left?    HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky    SEGMENT 1: Austin wants max money?    SEGMENT 2: Who might force the Lakers' hand?    SEGMENT 3: What happens if he leaves? If he AND LeBron go?    Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.  Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home.    Reddit Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. HIMS To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.comLOCKEDONMLB   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For much of the year, the expectation was that LeBron James wouldn't be back next season, but Austin Reaves would. Then the vibes (and the results) shifted, and it seemed like both would be back. Now, it looks like James is a little more iffy, but the assumption remains that the Lakers will re-sign Reaves. But Brad Turner of the LA Times, speaking on Spectrum Sportsnet (the Lakers TV home) said that Reaves is looking for the maximum amount of money he can get, and isn't interested in giving the Lakers a hometown discount. Some of this is obviously potential posturing, and a ton depends on how much teams like Brooklyn or Chicago -- franchises that have the space to give Reaves that kind of money -- actually are willing to offer, if anything. And then how high the Lakers go. Meanwhile, as the pendulum with James seems again to be swinging towards his departure, it's worth asking, could the Lakers lose both of them? It's not the most likely outcome, but also isn't impossible. What would that mean for the Lakers this summer? And how does the number the Lakers land on -- $30 vs.$35 vs. $40 vs. $45 million a year -- impact how they put a highly competitive team on the floor, not just this year but down the road? And what would happen in the unlikely (but not impossible) event that both left? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Austin wants max money? SEGMENT 2: Who might force the Lakers' hand? SEGMENT 3: What happens if he leaves? If he AND LeBron go? Photo: Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  Reddit Reddit is where the real fans hang out. Download the Reddit app and dive into your favorite team for hot takes, fresh memes, and the group chat that never sleeps. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  DoorDash From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. HIMS To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.comLOCKEDONMLB Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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What if Austin Reaves Wants the Max? Could the Lakers Lose Reaves AND LeBron James?

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How long is this episode of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 8, 2026.

What is this episode about?

For much of the year, the expectation was that LeBron James wouldn't be back next season, but Austin Reaves would. Then the vibes (and the results) shifted, and it seemed like both would be back. Now, it looks like James is a little more iffy, but...

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