Austin Reaves is no longer the Lakers’ feel-good bargain. He may be their next massive financial decision.
Reaves is reportedly seeking a maximum contract that could reach five years and $239.25 million from Los Angeles, and it remains uncertain whether he would take any kind of hometown discount. That figure lines up with the larger contract framework only the Lakers can offer him, while another team would be limited to a shorter deal worth less total money.
Austin Reaves is reportedly seeking a maximum contract that could reach five years and $239.25 million from Los Angeles, and it remains uncertain whether he would take any kind of hometown discount. pic.twitter.com/JUTtPkehap
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) June 5, 2026
The situation has been building for a while. Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million deal with the Lakers in 2023, including a 2026-27 player option. His current salary is a bargain compared to his role, but that bargain is almost over.
Reaves already declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension, a decision that was less about wanting out and more about understanding the market. By waiting, he positioned himself for a much larger deal after establishing himself as one of the Lakers’ most important players.
That is why this is no longer a simple loyalty story. Reaves has said he wants to stay in Los Angeles, even saying he wants to play his whole career there, but wanting to stay and taking less money are not the same thing.
For the Lakers, the decision is about more than Reaves alone. With Luka Dončić now the franchise’s central long-term star and LeBron James near the end of his legendary run, Los Angeles has to decide how expensive its next core should become. Reaves fits beautifully as a secondary creator, shooter and connector next to Luka. But a max contract would also reshape the team’s flexibility.
That is the cost of finding an undrafted gem. At first, he is cheap. Then he becomes essential. Then the bill arrives.
Austin Reaves bet on himself. Now the Lakers may have to pay like he was right.
