Matt Johnson
The Los Angeles Lakers face two pivotal decisions this offseason, needing to decide what to do with Austin Reaves and LeBron James. While Reaves is far likelier to re-sign, it will come at a staggering cost.
On Spectrum Sportsnet Live this week, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that Reaves is seeking a five-year contract extension worth up to $239.25 million. It’s also unclear if he’s even willing to entertain the idea of giving Los Angeles a hometown discount.
Related: Execs Predict Likely Cost of Austin Reaves Contract
- Austin Reaves stats (2025-26): 23.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PM per game, 36% 3PT
That would put the average annual value of a new deal at $48 million per season. That would make him the sixth-highest-paid shooting guard in the NBA, just behind Anthony Edwards ($48.924 million).
It would also mean that Los Angeles is investing more than $90 million per season into its guard tandem. Given the defensive limitations that already come with building a team around Luka Doncic, Reaves’ defensive issues would further limit what the new-look front office can do.
Related: Early Suitors Emerge for Austin Reaves
The Lakers certainly do have the option of allowing Reaves to test NBA free agency and seeing what the market offers. He has expressed an interest in remaining with Los Angeles, so the young guard would presumably come back to the club with an opportunity to match the best offer he gets.
In all likelihood, Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers this summer. The main question is whether he gets the full max deal or Los Angeles is able to convince him to take a little less based on what is out there on the market.
