Austin Reaves Steps Into Lakers Leadership Role After Extension

Fresh off a four-year, $184 million extension, Austin Reaves is taking on an expanded leadership role for the Lakers alongside Luka Dončić following LeBron James' departure. Reaves, who hired former strength coach Ed Streit to overcome groin, calf, and oblique injuries that limited him to 51 games last season, plans to lead through direct one-on-one communication while establishing himself as a vocal anchor for Los Angeles.