Austin Reaves is about to get paid, and he likely won’t have to leave Los Angeles.
According to a new report from ESPN, the Lakers guard is expected to command more than $30 million per year on his next contract, with multiple league executives believing he’s cemented his role as Luka Doncic’s long-term backcourt partner.
“‘I think he will get $30 [million] plus,” one executive told ESPN.
With Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving previously holding that role next to Doncic in Dallas, the Lakers believe they’ve found the perfect co-star for Luka in Los Angeles, and all signs point to Reaves staying put.
“The expectation, from both that executive and others, is that Reaves ultimately will return to Los Angeles, which would cement Reaves’ role as the long-term running mate next to Doncic in L.A.’s backcourt — the role once held by Brunson then Irving in Dallas,” reported ESPN Insiders.
The situation has changed for the Lakers ever since they traded for Luka Doncic in February. Overnight, their entire timeline shifted as the team’s priority adjusted to reflect the whims of Luka Doncic. With the Lakers scrambling to build the best team possible around their new young star, Reaves’ place in their long-term plans has often been described as uncertain.
Now, however, it seems they are set to make Reaves Luka’s permanent co-star to help him usher in a new generation of Lakers basketball. He may not be an MVP candidate, but Reaves has proven himself to be one of the most effective role players in the league.
After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves had to work extra hard to earn his spot on the Lakers, but he carved out a role right away for his team-friendly playstyle, elite work ethic, and fearless approach to the game. Of course, his production on the court is the most important, and he hasn’t disappointed in that regard.
Last season, in just his fourth year in the NBA, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting. He started every game he played (73) with an average of 34.9 minutes per game.
As it stands, Reaves’ contract is currently a steal for the Lakers. Next season, he’s set to make just $13.9 million with a $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. Reaves will almost surely be looking to opt out of that deal and sign a new contract as soon as possible.
The problem for the Lakers is that he wants at least $30 million. He already declined the Lakers’ $90 million offer this summer. Between paying Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers are already required to pay $115 million, and adding another $20+ million to that would severely inhibit their cap flexibility.
The Lakers’ best bet is to capitalize on this season before their looming contract situations come to a head. In an ideal scenario, they’d let LeBron James walk next summer to clear the books and open up $50+ million in cap space in 2026.
With Doncic and Reaves locked in, the Lakers are forming one of the league’s most promising backcourts. If Reaves continues to improve, a $30 million annual salary might just be the price of doing business in today’s NBA, and the Lakers seem ready to pay it.
