Former champion questions the Lakers for extending Austin Reaves despite defensive issues

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Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the biggest worry people had for the Los Angeles Lakers was missing out on Austin Reaves. There were already rumors that he was signing with the Brooklyn Nets, but it seems the Lakers wanted to make sure they had him for the long term.

He is set to sign a four-year extension worth $185 million. That is a massive deal for an undrafted player, but it seems it has not been the most popular move outside the Lakers' circle.

Iman Shumpert questions the Lakers' new deal with Austin Reaves

Aside from Luka Doncic, Reaves was the most productive offensive player for the Lakers. Of course, LeBron James also matters, but there is a good chance that he might not return to the Lakers this summer.

There is a good chance he returns for one last run with the Lakers, but the priority was re-signing Reaves. Since there was interest from the Nets, there were some worried Lakers fans, but it seems he wants to keep playing with Doncic in JJ Redick's system.

MORE: Austin Reaves gets the biggest payday for any undrafted player in history

Reaves is a fantastic offensive player, but he does raise some concerns when it comes to the other side of the game. Considering he is playing alongside another mediocre defender in Luka Doncic, there are some valid concerns raised by former NBA champion Iman Shumpert.

"I thought it was odd that you signed with that much money to sign a guy that you know was having issues defensively. We all knew that," Shumpert said on ESPN about the Lakers giving Reaves the max contract.

Surely, the Lakers will look for the best solutions for their defensive troubles. They can retain Marcus Smart in the offseason, but interest in players like Herb Jones is a promising solution for these defensive issues.