As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for another pivotal offseason, one of the biggest question marks surrounds the future of guard Austin Reaves. Once considered one of the franchise’s most promising young players, Reaves is now a candidate to be moved if contract negotiations don’t align with the team’s long-term vision.
Reaves, who posted a career year with 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field and 37.7% from three, is eligible for a significant raise. Under the current CBA, the Lakers can offer him a four-year extension worth $89.2 million.
However, reports suggest Reaves is expected to opt out of his $53 million deal after next season and could seek a max-level extension in the $180–200 million range, which would pay him upwards of $42 million annually.
For a player who struggled in the postseason, averaging just 16.2 points on 41.1% shooting, those are eye-popping numbers. And it may be too much for the Lakers’ front office to stomach, especially after a first-round exit where Reaves’ limitations were exposed by a tougher, more physical Timberwolves team.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers brass now face a critical decision: lock in Reaves at a premium rate despite playoff inconsistencies, or cash in on his rising value via trade while they still can.
Reaves is not untouchable, far from it. According to Sports Illustrated’s Ricardo Sandoval, “If former Lakers star big man Anthony Davis is not untouchable, then Reaves falls into that same category — for the right price, of course.”
The Lakers are known to be in the market for a major frontcourt upgrade or a third star to flank LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and including Reaves in a trade package could help match salaries while giving another team a plug-and-play scorer with youth and upside.
The irony in Reaves’ situation is that he’s earned this moment. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, he worked his way from two-way hopeful to playoff starter and Team USA contributor.
His fiery, fearless style won over Lakers fans, and even more importantly, LeBron James. But the postseason is a harsh evaluator, and in this league, value is measured in May, not March.
If Reaves pushes for a deal nearing $200 million, as some insiders believe he might, the Lakers may be forced to explore sign-and-trade scenarios to recoup assets rather than risk losing him for nothing. The ideal return would include size, defense, and playoff toughness, traits L.A. sorely lacked against Minnesota.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but the writing may be on the wall. Unless Reaves and the Lakers can agree on a more modest extension, the relationship could be headed for an offseason split. And while fans may not want to hear it, sometimes moving on is what championship-chasing franchises have to do.
Reaves was a revelation. But with luxury tax implications, roster needs, and postseason disappointments on the table, the Lakers could decide that the next chapter doesn’t include him.
