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The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping their standout guard duo intact, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the franchise is signing Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million contract extension on Thursday to appease Luka Doncic.
What’s next for the franchise after retaining a key backcourt contributor? Well, the Lakers' frontcourt woes are well-documented, as they haven’t received the desired production since the departure of superstar forward Anthony Davis.
Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek thinks that adding a declining Golden State Warriors four-time NBA champion could be an underrated offseason move for the franchise. That said, Polacek noted that Los Angeles will likely have to outduel the San Antonio Spurs to secure his services.
“Green will turn 37 years old next season, isn't much of an offensive threat, and is not the peak performer he was when helping lead the Warriors to four championships,” Polacek wrote Wednesday.
“But he is also a four-time champion, proven defender, and someone who could provide veteran leadership with 169 playoff games on his resume. That could make him an enticing option for a young championship contender that needs some of that veteran leadership to perhaps take the next step in the playoffs. Enter the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs.”
“If he doesn't go to a team like the Pistons or Spurs that needs veteran leadership, he could join a team in win-now mode that isn't as worried about the future. Assuming 41-year-old LeBron James is back with the Los Angeles Lakers, that would be the Purple and Gold.”
“With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves (assuming he is back), and James, the Lakers wouldn't need Green to be a scorer and could instead rely on him to play solid defense and contribute on the boards.”
Green, who could opt into his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign and land on the trade block, still has serviceable value in the big leagues despite no longer being at the top of his game.
The Michigan State product certainly hasn’t hit rock bottom just yet, as his forceful screening, off-ball movement, and defensive versatility are at a high enough level for him to be an impactful contributor on a team with championship aspirations.
Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game with the Warriors last season, shooting 41.8% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc.
If the Lakers want a tenacious, battle-tested veteran forward who could benefit from switching teams late in his career, Green could land on their offseason radar.
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