Lakers Looking to Lock Up Austin Reaves Long-Term?

As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate a transformative era following the extension of Luka Doncic, one homegrown talent stands out as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future: Austin Reaves.

Recent reports indicate that Reaves is expected to re-sign with the Lakers on a long-term contract exceeding $30 million annually, solidifying his role as a key backcourt partner alongside Dončić.

Austin Reaves is expected to re-sign with the Lakers next summer on a deal that will exceed $30M annually, per ESPN 👀 pic.twitter.com/Sw1yaUU1Gz

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) August 6, 2025

This development comes after Reaves declined a four-year, approximately $89-90 million maximum extension offer from the team in June 2025, opting instead to position himself for a more lucrative deal next offseason.

Declining the Extension: A Calculated Bet on Himself

In June 2025, the Lakers offered Reaves a four-year extension worth around $89.2 million, the maximum they could provide under NBA salary cap rules at the time.

Austin Reaves has declined a max contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers that would have paid him $89.2 million over four seasons, per @DanWoikeSports

(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/JHuA61zOz7

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 26, 2025

This deal would have started at approximately $19-20 million for the 2026-27 season.

However, Reaves declined, signaling his confidence in earning a significantly higher payday. League sources suggest both Reaves and the Lakers remain motivated to reach an agreement next summer, when he becomes eligible for a deal potentially worth over $200 million across five years.

By declining, Reaves is positioning himself to capitalize on another strong season, especially as he adapts to playing alongside Doncic.

Fitting into the Doncic Era

The Lakers just recently extended Doncic, offering a three-year $165 million extension with the team. According to NBA Insiders via ESPN, retaining Reaves is the undisputed centerpiece in making the Doncic-Reaves backcourt long-term.

Reaves has publicly expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, claiming it could propel the Lakers back to contention in a post-LeBron James landscape.

With the team projecting maximum cap space in 2027—even after accounting for Reaves’ new deal and Doncic’s extension—the Lakers are building sustainably.

This flexibility could allow for additions around the core, addressing concerns such as backcourt defense.

Looking Ahead: A Steal Becomes a Star Investment

As the 2025-26 season approaches, Reaves’ extension looms as a pivotal move for the Lakers moving forward. Declining the earlier offer was a “no-brainer” for Reaves, given his upward trajectory and the evolving cap landscape.

If he maintains his 20 PPG production and thrives with Doncic, a deal north of $30 million per year could prove a bargain for a player who has already delivered far beyond his current salary.

For the Lakers, retaining Reaves isn’t just about continuity—it’s about investing in a player who represents the franchise’s future.

With free agency decisions on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Reaves performs in what could be his contract year.