Austin Reaves is the NBA’s latest surprise story, going from undrafted to becoming one of the Los Angeles Lakers' key players. His career has skyrocketed since he signed with the Lakers, and with averages of 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, the fourth-year guard is proving his worth on the court. The Lakers currently hold a 34-21 record, and Reaves is seen as not just another player, but as a reliable third option behind superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Yet, as dazzling as his performance is, questions swirl around his future with the Lakers. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Reaves is expected to turn down his extension with the Lakers. This anticipated decision hints at more significant financial opportunities awaiting him as he aims for market value commensurate with his talents.
Reaves is set to become eligible for contract discussions starting July 6, 2025, and it’s widely believed the Lakers would offer him around $88-$90 million for four years, averaging $22-$23 million annually. But Buha argues this figure falls short of Reaves' true market value, predicting he could command over $30 million per year. "The way he's played the last two-plus months, he's clearly a high 20s or even 30+ million dollar per year player," Buha explained during one of his podcasts.
Given his growing influence on the game, it's likely Reaves will decline the Lakers' extension. After all, Buha remarked, "Austin is already making less money than he should... I think he’s going to get a bag, likely from the Lakers, but potentially, if not from them, someone else.”
Reaves' known skillset isn’t just hypothetical; he has been instrumental for the Lakers, having played 257 regular-season games and was pivotal during their 2023 NBA Cup championship run. His development and impact place him among one of the best-undrafted players the NBA has ever seen. Teammates like Markieff Morris affirm his abilities, with Morris stating on the "TWIN$nWIN$" podcast, "I definitely see a future All-Star,” praising Reaves’ performance over recent games.
If this is the direction Reaves continues to head, Lakers fans have plenty to feel excited about—even as uncertainty looms over his long-term future. Before their next matchup against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena, the emphasis is on how Reaves will perform as teams prepare to contend for the title. With LeBron James' return as probable and Dallas fielding their star, Reaves will need to shine amid the spotlight
James has lauded Reaves along with former coach Darvin Ham for his tenacity and basketball intelligence, key elements contributing to the Lakers' aspirations for another championship. While his teammates put faith in him, Austin Reaves will have to deliver, increasingly becoming indispensable to the Lakers' campaign.
Fans eagerly await Reaves’ moves leading up to 2026. Will he opt out to chase bigger contracts elsewhere, or sign with the Lakers where he’s made his name? With so many variables, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is sure—Reaves is poised to make waves, wherever he lands.