Based on the way Austin Reaves has played with the Los Angeles Lakers to open the 2025-26 season, it isn’t asinine to suggest he deserves to get paid the big bucks next offseason.
Reaves has stepped up in a big way with LeBron James nursing sciatica on his right side, as the Oklahoma product, like Luka Doncic, is a 30+ points-per-game contributor (Reaves-30.3 points per game, Doncic-37.1 points per game).
As a result, Reaves received a massive $241 million contract update in mid-November.
“Because NBA rules restrict the Lakers from extending Reaves up to 140% of the average player (four years, $87.4 million with a starting salary of $19.5 million next season), it is highly unlikely he will sign a new contract prior to June 30,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote Monday.
“The more likely scenario is for Reaves to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent.”
“If he does, Reaves will be eligible to sign for up to five years, $241 million with the Lakers. The Lakers could still have nearly $50 million in cap space even if Reaves signs a new contract.”
While Reaves likely comprehends that the Lakers aren’t the same team without James on the hardwood, he’s making the most of his elevated offensive role in the four-time NBA champion’s absence.
As a No. 1/No. 2 scoring option (depending on Doncic’s status), Reaves has exhibited supreme confidence and cold-blooded shot-making off the dribble for the 8-3 Lakers.
Will Reaves be relegated to tertiary playmaker upon James' return? JJ Redick hasn’t shot down the possibility, but Reaves will still get his fair share of touches moving forward.
As long as the 27-year-old guard doesn’t perform below expectations when it matters most (the postseason) for the second consecutive season, he should expect to sign a lucrative contract extension with Los Angeles during the 2026 free agency period.
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