Category: Basketball

Center Narcisse Ngoy secured a spot in the NBA before officially starting his college career.

The Clippers hold the rights to the 7-foot-1 Frenchman after trading with the Atlanta Hawks for the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft on Wednesday, June 24.

Ngoy is said to have a 7-foot-7 wingspan but has a raw skill set on the offensive end, according to Raphielle Johnson of NBC Sports.

He helps address a positional need for the Clippers roster, but he will not be available for the franchise next season.

Ngoy will play for Auburn this upcoming season after committing to the program in March before deciding to enter his name in the draft.

Ngoy played professionally for the French Pro B league. He averaged a double-double and led France's second division in blocks per game.

He will serve as an interesting case study for NBA teams.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers to stash Auburn center Narcisse Ngoy after second round draft

Jaden Bradley is heading to the Six.

The Arizona point guard was selected 50th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Bradley will play only a couple hours from where he grew up in Rochester, New York.

The 6-foot-3 Bradley capped off a prolific collegiate career with a senior season for the ages. He earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors, averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds. Bradley was a Big 12 All Defensive Team selection and a Third Team All-American (NABC, USBWA, The Sporting News).

Bradley led Arizona to Big 12 regular season and conference tournament championships. He was named the Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Bradley played a standout role in Arizona advancing to its first Final Four in 25 years.

JB is heading to the North 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/5IHsRmvVF2

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) June 25, 2026

Bradley joins a Raptors franchise coming off a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Toronto’s point guards include Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead.

Bradley was the third Arizona player selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, joining Brayden Burries (10th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks) and Koa Peat (30th overall to the Phoenix Suns).

Arizona’s three draft picks are the program’s most since 2022, when Bennedict Mathurin, Dalen Terry and Christian Koloko were selected.

Veesaar slides, Awaka goes undrafted

The bigger surprise of the draft was the fall of former Arizona big man Henri Veesaar, who had to wait until pick 52 to hear his name called. The North Carolina product turned down a reported $5 million NIL deal to remain in the draft with the hopes of being selected in the first round.

Veesaar instead slid to the late second round, when the Atlanta Hawks traded with the Los Angeles Clippers to draft him. Veesaar’s fall will serve as a cautionary tale for college players with remaining eligibility who face the choice of returning to school for a large payday or chasing their professional dreams.

Arizona forward Tobe Awaka went undrafted after averaging 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds as a senior, winning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, but ended up reportedly signing a 2-way deal with the Chicago Bulls.

ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo ranked Awaka as his top undrafted player.

My top-ranked undrafted players:

Tobe Awaka (48)
Aaron Nkrumah (52)
Nate Bittle (55)
Milos Uzan (57)
Noam Yaacov (58)
Oscar Cluff (59)
Kylan Boswell (62)
Michael Ajayi (63)
Jaden Henley (64)
Nick Boyd (65)

— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 25, 2026

Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal is headed to the NBA. In the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks used the No. 48 overall pick on Lawal.

Here’s Lawal hearing the news.

Dallas selects Tobi Lawal with the 48th pick! pic.twitter.com/iFVi5qZ5hx

— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 25, 2026

The 6-foot-8 Lawal is a native of London, but did not start playing basketball until he was 16. He moved to the United States, where he played at Lee Academy in Maine. Lawal would commit to VCU, where he played for two seasons, before transferring to Virginia Tech after the 2023-24 season.

Lawal became a starter for the Hokies in 2024-25, appearing in 30 games and averaging 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. In 23 games last season, Lawal averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. For his career, Lawal shot over 58% from the field.

Lawal impressed NBA teams at the 2026 NBA Combine, recording a 40-inch standing vertical jump and a 45.5-inch maximum vertical jump. The maximum vertical jump is tied for the second-highest in the history of the NBA Combine.

Air Lawal has landed in the League 🛬 pic.twitter.com/1AtyBCVEVY

— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) June 25, 2026

While second-round NBA draft picks are not guaranteed roster spots, Lawal’s athleticism gives him a shot to become a contributor early in his career. He can play defense and run the floor. He’s an excellent finisher around the basket, but his outside shot remains a work in progress.

Lawal is the first Virginia Tech player selected in the NBA Draft since Nickeil Alexander-Walker went in the first round in 2019. Alexander-Walker was recently named the NBA’s most improved player for 2025-26.

Congratulations to Tobi. We’re pulling for you.

The Lakers got to work immediately on signing undrafted free agents as soon as the draft ended on Wednesday.

First, they signed AK Okereke to a two-way deal, as first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.

Undrafted Vanderbilt forward AK Okereke has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2026

At Vanderbilt last season, Okereke averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting 40% from the 3-point line. In his junior season at Cornell, he averaged 13.9 points per game, shooting 59.5% from the field, but just 32.1% from three. His 3-pointer improved significantly in his final season.

Los Angeles wasn’t done with their two-way signings either. They also brought on Pete Suder of Miami University, last season’s MAC Player of the Year.

Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-way contract with MAC Player of the Year Peter Suder. He led Miami (OH) to a 31-0 regular-season record and shot 42% from 3-point range this season. Keith Kreiter and Sam Cipriano of Edge Sports completed the deal. pic.twitter.com/4LmGvTIM01

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 25, 2026

Last season, he averaged 14.8 points and shot 42% from 3-point range. His best performance this past season came against Buffalo where he scored 37 points in a double overtime win while hitting seven 3-pointers.

The guard will now be part of the Lakers franchise as another piece that can bolster the backcourt.

The Lakers’ two remaining two-way signings from last season, Chris Mañon and Drew Timme, both were expiring this year. The Lakers can have up to three players on two-way deals, meaning there is one more opening for the team.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a two-way contract with former Vanderbilt forward AK Okereke, a source confirmed to the California Post on Wednesday night. 

Okereke, who went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2 assists in his lone season with the Commodores after three seasons at Cornell.

He started his college career with the Big Red in 2022 as a walk-on, playing four games as a freshman before becoming a fixture in the rotation during his sophomore season. 

Okereke was a full-time starter at Cornell as a junior in 2024-25, averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals. 

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward led the Ivy League and ranked 18th nationally in field goal percentage as a junior, shooting 59.5% from the field, including 67% on 2-pointers. 

Okereke shot 40% on 3-pointers (40 of 100) at Vanderbilt. He started in 35 of the 36 games he played with the Commodores. 

Okereke’s path to the Lakers should sound familiar.

Chris Manon, who spent the 2025-26 season on a two-way deal with the Lakers, played at Cornell from 2021-24, transferred to Vanderbilt in 2024-25 and went undrafted before the Lakers signed him last summer.

Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Graham Ike may have gone undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, but the 6-9 forward will still get his NBA shot in Northern California.

His agent, Fess Irvin of Fess Irvin Basketball, told The Consensus NBA Substack that he will sign a free agent deal with the Golden State Warriors. The nature of the deal is an Exhibit 10 contract.

The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a deal with undrafted free agent Graham Ike out of Gonzaga, his agent Fess Irvin tells @TheConsensusNBA.

Ike measured 6-foot-9¾ with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach, bringing size, physicality and interior presence.

— Aryan (@Ary_Report) June 25, 2026

An Exhibit 10 is a one-year, non-guaranteed training camp deal that pays the league minimum salary. This partnership gives Ike a chance of possibly making the 2026-27 opening day roster on a standard contract or spending the majority of his time with the Golden State’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, on a two-way contract.

The Warriors currently have the maximum three players signed to a two-way deal. If he’s waived before the start of the regular season, Ike would most likely join a G League roster as a full-time player.

The 23-year-old native of Aurora, Colorado, was a proven winner and scoring threat throughout his three seasons in Spokane, Washington. During that 101-game stretch under coach Mark Few, Ike averaged 17.8 points on a shooting split of 58.9 percent from the field, 35.8 percent on three-pointers, and 79.6 percent at the free throw line. The 2025-26 West Coast Conference Player of the Year and Associated Press’s Third Team All-American also grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game and 31 double-doubles across that span.

Recent Gonzaga alums have found success after grinding their way through the G League to the NBA. Just take a look at Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme, Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard, and Brooklyn Nets guard Malachi Smith, who all went undrafted.

Ike’s first chance at proving the doubters wrong will come at the 2026 California Classic, a summer league taking place inside both the Golden State’s Chase Center and Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center from July 3 through 6.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

The Detroit Pistons reportedly agreed to trade Isaiah Stewart, their longest tenured player, on Wednesday night for a trio of second-round picks. But that small move might point to something larger, as ESPN reports that the Pistons are looking to go “big game hunting” this offseason. What does big game hunting mean in reality? Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks, who were discussing potential Pistons plans during the NBA Draft broadcast, dropped names like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James as potential targets.

The Pistons have been looking to upgrade scoring and playmaking with two positions — power forward and shooting guard the most obvious targets. The Pistons have incumbent starter Duncan Robinson under contract, and he could shift to a bench role or be included in any trade for an under-contract player. Tobias Harris is an unrestricted free agent, but the two sides reportedly have mutual interest in seeing the longtime veteran return. Though he, too, could be moved in a deal as a sign-and-trade piece to help make salary work.

Leonard would be a risky play for any acquiring team with an extensive injury history, a need to manage his workload throughout the season, and potential penalties related to alleged off-book payments from the Los Angeles Clippers or that the NBA is still investigating.

James, meanwhile, is trying to figure out where he fits for the final season or two of his career. The Los Angeles Lakers are a natural fit, but when the team unexpectedly was able to trade for Luka Doncic, it became Luka’s team, and James had to take a backseat.

There are other big-name players who have been seen as potentially available after their respective teams came up short, including Jamal Murray in Denver and LaMelo Ball in Charlotte.

Of course, wanting to go “big game hunting” and being able to seal the deal are two very different things. We will see how Detroit’s offseason develops. It’ll be a big one.

Eventually, the Knicks did it.

Eventually, they actually made and kept their picks.

They began the second round of the NBA draft Wednesday like they left off in the first round Tuesday — by trading. They started the night with the Nos. 31, 47 and 55 picks. But they sent Nos. 31 and 55 to the Rockets in exchange for Nos. 39 and 53 along with a future Kings second-rounder.

And then at No. 39, they drafted German youngster Jack Kayil. A 20-year-old, 6-foot-5 guard, Kayil played professionally for Alba Berlin in the German Bundesliga. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.5 assists per game on 40 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range last season.

Kayil won the Bundesliga’s Best Young Player award and committed to Gonzaga before opting to stay in the draft.

He plans to join the Knicks, not go back to Germany as a stash option.

“Not really,” Kayil said. “My plans are to stay here and get into the organization and keep going with them.”

He thinks his experience overseas has helped his development.

“I think I already saw,” Kayil said, “for a young guy, a lot of places and different things, different plays and different systems and I think it can help me in the future.”

Then at No. 47, they selected Tyler Nickel, a big-time shooter out of Vanderbilt. A 6-foot-7 forward, he averaged 13.5 points and shot 40 percent from 3-point range as a senior last year.

Finally, at No. 53, the Knicks picked shot-blocking center Ugonna Onyenso out of Virginia — who could have been potential insurance with Mitchell Robinson’s future uncertain — but quickly sent him to the Pistons for cash.

It is clear the Knicks, who have limited space to stay under the second apron, which owner James Dolan said they intend to do, did not want to pick in the first round and have to pay the salary that comes with the guaranteed contracts first-rounders get. And even though second-rounders are usually less expensive and don’t automatically get guaranteed contracts, the Knicks opted against making a selection at the beginning of the round, which would have likely commanded a higher salary than they could afford to give.

But, eight and 16 picks later, Kayil and Nickel should command less money — at or closer to the rookie minimum — than anyone they would have selected at No. 31. They could even potentially be signed to two-way deals.

On Tuesday, the Knicks originally had the No. 24 pick but, after a four-team deal, moved out of the first round and left with five additional second-round picks, the draft rights to three international players who are unlikely to ever sniff the NBA, plus cash.

So, in total between the two rounds, the Knicks sent away three picks, kept two picks that should be economically friendly and added a handful of second-rounders for the future.

Everything right now revolves around the second apron. The Knicks acted accordingly.

The Knicks traded down in the second round before eventually selecting Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft...

By The Numbers

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 217 pounds
2025 Stats: 13.5 points (43%/40% from three), 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 36 games (30.6 minutes)

Prospect Overview

NBA.com:Nickel is a movement shooter, comfortable launching off pindowns, flares and curls without needing to gather. He reads the floor and relocates constantly. He has the frame to hold up on the wing, and his physicality lets him absorb contact through screens. Other offensive positives include playing within himself, keeping the ball moving and avoiding mistakes. The tools to grow defensively are there, and he competes on every possession.

Bleacher Report: Nickel's shooting ability is the foundation of his NBA appeal. He connected on 40.0 percent of his three-point attempts while also shooting 84.7 percent from the free-throw line....he's a good movement shooter who understands how to create opportunities without the ball. He relocates effectively, uses screens well and consistently finds open space along the perimeter.

NBA Comparison

NBA.com: Duncan Robinson, Sam Hauser and Max Strus

The final pick of the NFL draft is always referred to as "Mr. Irrelevant." The NBA Draft equivalent is not always such a throwaway pick.

The one that many overlook, often forgotten about, except for one team looking to take a chance on a prospect.

This year's Mr. Irrelevant title goes to Malique Lewis out of Trinidad and Tobago after being taken with the No. 60 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.

However, through a trade, the pick will go to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lewis is considered to be a 'three-and-D' player. An area that the Bucks are looking to surround their team with after a blockbuster trade that sent out Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis and the No. 13 pick.

Lewis joins a Bucks draft class that includes Brayden Burries (Arizona) and Nate Ament (Tennessee).

More: Best players available in 2026 NBA Draft: Who is worth taking in Round 2?

Can Malique Lewis become the next Isaiah Thomas?

Truth of the matter is that being Mr. Irrelevant doesn't come with any pressure or expectations. A lot of the time, the player is just happy to have their name called. But that doesn't mean they can't carve out a nice career in the NBA.

The last notable "Mr. Irrelevant" was the Sacramento Kings' No. 60 selection in the 2011 NBA Draft, who selected Isaiah Thomas out of Washington.

Thomas played 14 NBA seasons with the Kings, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.

In his rookie season in Sacramento, he finished with All-Rookie second team honors and seventh in Rookie of the Year voting. He quickly became a fan favorite for his skill, community presence and 5-foot-9 stature.

Thomas's best season came in 2017 with the Celtics, when he became an All-Star, averaged 28.9 points per game, led the Celtics to a 53-29 record, and finished fifth in MVP voting.

In his 14-year career, Thomas averaged 17.5 points and 4.8 assists in 556 career games.

Lewis isn't expected to become that, by any means. It's all about enjoying the journey. Once the real work begins, surely the Bucks would love for him to develop into half of what Thomas became.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Who is Mr. Irrelevant in NBA Draft? Meet Malique Lewis

A lot has been said about the Raptors’ first round picks by the fans and the pundits alike. Some bad, some good, but the Toronto front office seems cool, calm, and collected about their decisions.

The Raptors have taken Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley with the 19th and 50th overall picks, adding the forward and the guard to the upcoming year’s squad. In the case of Graves, Bobby Webster has stood firm on him fitting the Raptor’s draft strategy: “It’s always been best available two-way players, right,” he said, during last night’s presser, when discussing the addition to the Raptors another part of “vision 6’9″”, alluding to the type of player that the Raps have favoured of late. “I think sometimes you get into a little bit of a trap if you try to take for fit in the first round or too high in the draft,” he said, with this ringing true: the Raptors drafted more for fit later, taking Bradley, a guard, in the second round.

Webster, recently extended and granted a promotion to executive VP, looked collected and talked smooth last night. When asked about the analytical rationale behind drafting Graves, he joked, saying that he was “not smart enough” to answer the question, but came back around, arguing that “we watch so many games in person, but we don’t watch every game,” and that “in some ways, you know, the analytics watch every game.” Evidently, the Raptors were willing to trust the numbers, in part, when taking a swing at the forward.

Dan Tolzman spoke to the media about picking Bradley, echoing much of the same about the Raptors’ valuation of two-way play that the guard could bring. He called the rookie “a very accomplished player” who “has pretty much seen it all”, without having played a single NBA game. The Raptors seem uncertain as to whether or not Bradley will be joining the roster directly, or on a two-way deal at this point. Despite the number of point guards that the Raptors currently have on the team, Tolzman said that “he’s not just going to take a back seat” regarding the player’s personality and work ethic. He described this as a motivational strategy, where “we bring in more competition for the guys ahead of him”. Indeed, the Raptors bringing in another dogged defender at the guard spot can alleviate some ball-handling responsibility from Quickley and Shead, while serving as an experienced backup.

Toronto has both brought on another one of it’s favoured big wings, as well as another point guard, all the while maintaining true to their philosophy of true two-way contention that won them their championship in 2019.

The Grizzlies are bolstering their frontcourt.

The Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to Memphis for three future second-round picks during the second night of the 2026 NBA Draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.

With the move, the Pistons shed Stewart’s salary and added future assets, while the Grizzlies brought in a young frontcourt piece.

Stewart, 25, is under contract until 2028, having signed a four-year, $60 million extension two years ago. He has a team option for 2027-28.

In 58 games last season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 22.7 minutes. He came in seventh place in Sixth Man of the Year voting on a Detroit team that passed 60 wins for the first time in two decades.

Rumors were flying around Stewart’s future in Detroit since the beginning of June, mostly to shed the high salary in pursuit of bringing back several other pieces from last season’s team that was the No. 1 seed in the East.

The Pistons could now attempt to find an upgrade to help ease the burden on Cade Cunningham.

On the first night of the draft, Memphis acquired three second-rounders from Detroit. The Grizzlies sent them right back the following night for the 6-foot-8, 250-pound Stewart, often called “Beef Stew.”

In Memphis, Stewart likely will see most of the backup center minutes as he slots in behind Zach Edey, providing solid depth on the worst rebounding team in the second half of last season.

With a healthy Edey and Stewart coming in, the frontcourt will be far improved next year. Add in third overall pick Cameron Boozer and 21st overall pick Karim Lopez, and the Grizzlies’ frontcourt could go from lackluster to highly threatening very quickly.

Round 2, Pick 36 – Baba Miller – Florida Atlantic – Los Angeles Clippers

Coming into FAU for his junior season, anyone who had seen him play on a court knew that Baba Miller was an NBA talent, but after a single season under John Jakus, he had proven himself. The 6-foot-11 athletic big brings skill and agility to the interior. He was a highly-touted prospect coming into the draft but exceeded what many expected, getting picked just six picks into the night.

Headed to the Clippers, Miller will have to compete with players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Kobe Sanders, but as a true power forward, the former Cincinnati Bearcat will have a solid chance at cracking the lineup.

Round 2, Pick 37 – Ryan Conwell – Indiana State and South Florida – Oklahoma City Thunder (Traded to Miami Heat)

Conwell was made into a power-level talent during his time under Josh Schertz at Indiana State. While spending just one year with the Sycamores during his sophomore season after a sub-par freshman season at South Florida, the 6-foot-4 guard brough his talents to a Xavier team that immediately felt his impact. A season later, Conwell led a rejuvenated Louisville program to the AP top 25 while averaging just under 20 points per outing.

Conwell is now on his way to Miami, which is notorious for developing second-round talent to play for the recently vacated shooting guard position following Tyler Herro’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. All-star Norman Powell looks to serve as a valuable mentor to the four-year collegiate player.

Round 2, Pick 42 – Ja’Kobi Gillespie – Belmont – San Antonio Spurs

Gillespie looks to be the second Belmont transfer in the past three years to get NBA minutes following Will Richard’s rise with the Warriors this past season. While it has been two years since the guard has suited up for the Bruins, the 6-foot guard can credit most of his collegiate success to his development under Casey Alexander.

Joining the NBA runner-up San Antonio Spurs, it remains to be seen whether Gillespie will garner minutes with the team early on, but with a reputation of incredible development within the Spurs organization, it may be sooner rather than later that we see the Tennessee standout backing up Dylan Harper at the one.

Round 2, Pick 48 – Tobi Lawal – VCU – Dallas Mavericks

Lawal’s incredible leaping ability and athleticism had to have made NBA scouts salivate when watching him light it up at Virginia Tech, but that vertical was also on display during his time at VCU under Ryan Odom. While only starting one single game in two years with the Rams, the 6-foot-8 forward displayed enough to garner a transfer to the ACC’s Hokies and now into the NBA Draft.

Lawal comes as the second big man drafted for the Mavericks in the draft, following up Morez Johnson Jr. at pick No. 9, and he will look to stake out a claim in the now-competitive frontcourt battle headed into the 2026-27 season.

Round 2, Pick 51 – Izaiyah Nelson – South Florida and Arkansas State – Washington Wizards (Traded to Orlando Magic)

Nelson became the second player drafted straight out of a mid-major following a successful season at South Florida last year where he earned AAC Player of the Year in his first season with the Bulls. Developing under Bryan Hodgson at Arkansas State, the Marietta, Ga., native blossomed into an elite rebounder and dominant interior finisher, following his coach to USF in his final season.

The 6-foot-10 forward joins an Orlando Magic squad featuring all-star Paolo Banchero at power forward and Wendell Carter Jr. at the center position, and he will be granted the opportunity to battle for a spot in the interior under new head coach Sean Sweeney.

Round 2, Pick 57 – Jaron Pierre Jr. – Jacksonville State, Wichita State, and Southern Miss – New Orleans Pelicans

Pierre had some decently productive seasons at both Southern Miss and Wichita State, but no one in Conference USA was prepared for the 6-foot-5 guard to lead the Jacksonville State Gamecocks to the second-best record in the conference despite being picked toward the bottom in the preseason. An electric scorer that can get points at all three levels, Pierre finished off his college career at SMU this past season in the NCAA Tournament.

Pierre joins a logjam at the guard position in New Orleans but looks to fight for a position among young stars in Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray.

This was the moment Austin Reaves had been waiting for. It was time for him to have his big payday and secure himself a long-term deal.

However, instead of feeling joy about thinking of all the teams that potentially wanted him, Reaves was anxious, eager to find out where he would be.

In the end, everything worked out fine. Reaves reportedly agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal with the Lakers, securing that he’ll remain with the franchise that took him back in 2021 as an undrafted player.

In a piece by Dan Woike of The Athletic, Reaves discussed how stressful these negotiations were for him.

“I mean, it was a breath of fresh air because I hadn’t stopped thinking about where I was going to be. And it’s just like a sigh of relief,” he said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I mean, regardless of whatever played out, I’m obviously grateful and in a good position to take care of the people I love. My heart’s been in L.A. Every morning I wake up, I’m just like, ‘I hope we can get this done today.’

Reaves has always let his emotions be known.

It’s what’s made him a player Lakers fans love. During his first playoff stint, when he was torching the Grizzlies, he yelled “I’m him” on the floor, and this past season, when he tied a game against the Nuggets, he was caught saying “I love you” to the basketball on camera.

So, naturally, with his career up in the air, even for good reason, it was going to cause him to be a bit worried. Seeing a photo of him lying on the floor, relieved that he was staying with the Lakers, doesn’t feel like a cheesy social media stunt. It just seems like Reaves being himself, unbothered by what the world thinks of him.

This photo was taken by his girlfriend, capturing Reaves’ reaction on the golf course Wednesday. “That's the picture of a dude that gets more opportunities to win a chip in L.A.,” the source close to Reaves told ESPN. https://t.co/IrWbxlXwX0

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 24, 2026

While the Lakers ended up offering him a max deal, it was reported that teams like the Pistons were interested in signing him. It’s naturally good to be wanted, but this also put Reaves’ future up in the air, and he wasn’t sure he was going to remain in LA.

“A couple of times actually,” Reaves said. “I didn’t know how negotiations would go. I don’t think Aaron and Reggie really knew how negotiations would go, so we learned a lot throughout the process. But like I said, we wanted to be in L.A., my heart was in L.A., and we got it done.”

During this process, Reaves made it clear he wanted to remain a Laker, and the franchise has obliged.

Now, this great tale of the Lakers hitting the jackpot by discovering Reaves can continue for years to come. They have secured Luka Dončić’s backcourt partner, and everyone seems thrilled about the situation.

Reaves can get off the golf course now and celebrate with his family and friends. This new deal means LA can now be his forever home, and the Lakers, potentially the only team he ever plays for.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.