Lakers guard Austin Reaves is eligible for a five-year, $241 million deal with Los Angeles this summer, but sources told ESPN he is “not obsessed” with securing every dollar possible on his next contract. Reaves, 27, is entering the final year of a four-year, $53.8 million deal, which includes a player option.
Dave McMenamin reported that Reaves understands the market range for shooting guards, citing peers like Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro, who signed extensions paying roughly 20% of the salary cap. An Eastern Conference front office executive told ESPN, “If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce.”
Reaves emphasized that team success drives his priorities. “At the end of the day, team success is going to help me,” he told ESPN. “If I help us, then it will help me in the long haul, when you’re winning.”
The Lakers offered Reaves a four-year, $89 million extension shortly after the 2025 Finals, according to ESPN sources. A videoconference included Reaves, his agents, Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss, GM Rob Pelinka, and coach JJ Redick, with discussions lasting 45 minutes about the player’s future and the franchise direction.
Reaves has built strong chemistry with Luka Doncic, combining a shared sense of humor with effective on-court collaboration. Redick described their dynamic as a “bromance” fueled by playful trash talk that translates into natural team synergy.
On the court, Reaves has delivered at an elite level. Through eight games in the 2025–26 season, he is averaging 30.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, helping the Lakers maintain an 8–3 record. He has multiple high-scoring games this season, including career-high 51 points against Sacramento and 41 against Portland.
Reaves’ steady development alongside James and Doncic has solidified him as a key contributor. His versatility and scoring ability make him a valuable asset, while his focus on team goals suggests his next deal may be influenced by both performance and championship aspirations.
