LeBron James’ three-to-four-week absence from the Los Angeles Lakers might be a setback for the team but for Austin Reaves, it could become the biggest opportunity of his career. With James sidelined due to a lingering nerve issue and expected to be eased back into the lineup afterward, Reaves is set to take on a much larger role as the team’s secondary playmaker behind Luka Doncic.
And if history is any indicator, that could mean a major breakout is coming.
Last season, Reaves thrived when LeBron was off the floor. In nine games without James, he averaged an incredible 27.9 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds, while shooting efficiently and carrying the Lakers’ offense with poise beyond his years. In one of his most memorable performances, he dropped a career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers, proving that he can handle the spotlight as the team’s go-to scorer when needed.
Now, with LeBron sidelined again, Reaves has a golden window to show that wasn’t a fluke, and doing so could reshape his financial future.
Reaves is currently in the third year of his four-year, $53 million deal, which includes a $14.9 million player option for the 2026–27 season. He’s expected to decline that option next summer and test the market as a free agent. The Lakers had previously offered him a four-year, $90 million extension, but he declined, knowing that his ceiling both on the court and financially is much higher.
If Reaves can maintain that 25+ point, high-assist production while keeping the Lakers in the playoff picture during LeBron’s absence, he could easily command $30–40 million per year in free agency. That kind of contract puts him in the same pay range as stars like Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Brunson, players who proved they could run an offense and create shots at an elite level.
The tricky part for Los Angeles is what comes next. The Lakers already have Luka Doncic on a max contract, and LeBron’s future remains uncertain but financially significant if he re-signs. Keeping Reaves under those conditions could become extremely difficult, especially if his market value skyrockets beyond the team’s budget flexibility.
There’s also the All-Star factor. If Reaves continues to put up star-caliber numbers and helps the Lakers win without LeBron, he could earn his first All-Star selection, which would push his price tag even higher. Under the current CBA rules, hitting certain accolades like All-Star or All-NBA can dramatically increase a player’s earning potential in the next contract negotiation.
But even beyond the numbers, this stretch could be about Reaves’ identity. He’s long been viewed as the Lakers’ glue guy, a steady scorer and reliable playmaker who thrives off LeBron and Luka’s gravity. Now, without LeBron’s presence, he’ll be tasked with proving he can be the engine, not just the passenger.
For Austin Reaves, this isn’t just a chance to lead, it’s a chance to get paid like one.
If he keeps up his production and helps stabilize the Lakers during LeBron James’ recovery, he won’t just be the fan favorite from Arkansas anymore — he’ll be one of the league’s most sought-after guards come next summer.
