Austin Reaves turned down a four-year, $89.2 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, a move that surprised no one. The offer represented the maximum allowed under current NBA CBA rules, but the Lakers expected Reaves would reject it considering his consistent improvement and value to the team.
Despite the capped starting offer, it is clear the Lakers would be willing to offer significantly more to keep him, as Reaves has repeatedly proven his worth on the court, making a strong case for a larger payday.
Reaves’ Performance Against the 76ers Highlights His Rising Role
During Thursday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Reaves showcased exactly why he merits a big contract. After Luka Doncic exited early due to a hamstring injury, Reaves took over in the second half, spearheading the Lakers’ charge.
He finished the game with an impressive 35 points, shooting 12-of-17 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range, all within 25 minutes. As the Lakers wrested control in the third quarter, Reaves’ offensive contributions played a major role in shifting momentum in Los Angeles’ favor.
Every time Reaves is given more responsibility, he responds by elevating his game, reinforcing the belief that his future contract will far exceed the initial $89 million offer.
The Path to Reaves’ New Contract Is Likely Clear
While the Lakers may not be able to offer an unrestricted contract due to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement landscape, it’s expected that the final deal will closely align with Reaves’ market value and his camp’s expectations. At 27 years old, he has proven his worth and done much of the groundwork for his agents, reducing pressure in ongoing negotiations.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. traded away, there is less competition complicating Reaves’ extension talks, allowing the Lakers to focus on rewarding their emerging star guard.
Reaves as an Ideal Partner for Doncic in Los Angeles
Except for elite talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, few players appear as suitable alongside Luka Doncic for the Lakers’ future as Reaves. Similar to how Kyrie Irving and Jalen Brunson have excelled alongside Doncic elsewhere, Reaves fits naturally into that supporting role, making him an essential piece for the team’s core moving forward.
The Lakers have considerable cap space available this offseason, and while much of it will be aimed at upgrading around Doncic, a substantial portion will undoubtedly be reserved for finalizing Reaves’ contract extension.
