Amidst all the speculation about what the medium-term future holds for LeBron James beyond this season or even the next few months, there has also been talk about Austin Reaves and his impending free agency.

He is widely expected to turn down the player option on his contract in order to become a free agent next summer. He’s expected to seek a new deal that would pay him at least $30 million a year, and how he plays this season will go a long way in dictating how much money he commands.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick seems to feel optimistic about what Reaves will do this season. He praised the work the guard put in this offseason during a press conference the team held on Thursday.

“Every day that he’s been in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym,” Redick said. “His body is really good right now. He’s really strong. His burst, his athleticism. It’s evident that he spent a lot of time working on his body this summer.”

Redick on Austin Reaves this summer: “Every day that he’s been in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym. His body is really good right now. He’s really strong. His burst, his athleticism. It’s evident that he spent a lot of time working on his body this summer.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 25, 2025

Reaves averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game while shooting 46% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range last season. His shooting percentages rose after the arrival of Luka Doncic in February, and that could hopefully be a preview of what is to come over the next several months.

He has reportedly worked on shooting and attacking off the pass in anticipation of playing off the ball more than before this season. Being in the type of championship shape Redick said the team needs to get into will also help the Arkansas native continue to raise his game.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick praises Austin Reaves’ offseason work