Luka Doncic has told Los Angeles Lakers personnel he does not want Austin Reaves included in any trade package with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to multiple league sources. Doncic views Reaves as a vital long-term partner and has made that position clear within the organization.

The Lakers are expected to pursue Antetokounmpo this summer. Doncic's preference is a roster built around himself, Reaves and whatever additional star Los Angeles can acquire.

Whether Reaves remains with the Lakers is not guaranteed as he enters unrestricted free agency. League sources and team officials believe both sides will reach an agreement, but a substantial outside offer could complicate retention. Rival executives project Reaves could command $40 million per season, driven by his production, age and a thin free-agent market lacking comparable players in their prime.

The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets currently hold the salary-cap space to meet that figure. The Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks have also expressed interest, though both would require roster moves to create sufficient room. League sources say winning will weigh heavily in Reaves' decision.

Over the past two seasons, Reaves has averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds across at least 100 games. The only other players to match those numbers in that span are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Cade Cunningham, LaMelo Ball, Doncic and LeBron James.

The Lakers' front office faces a delicate financial calculation. Per high-ranking team sources, roster balance will guide how the organization approaches Reaves' contract relative to its broader offseason ambitions with the construction of a roster that fits Doncic best their top priority.