Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers guard known for his scoring ability, has chosen to decline a significant contract extension this offseason, setting his sights on a larger deal later. The Lakers proposed a maximum extension worth $89.2 million over four years, but Reaves decided to pass on the offer for now. This move follows reports from The Athletic and marks a strategic pause in Reaves’ contract negotiations amid his rising value.
Current Contract Status and Future Free Agency Potential
Reaves still has one year left on his current agreement with the Lakers, along with a player option for the 2026-27 season. By declining the max extension, he retains flexibility to reject that option later and become an unrestricted free agent. This approach would open the door for Reaves to negotiate a more lucrative contract, potentially surpassing the current max offer.
Commitment to Lakers Despite Contract Decisions
Sources clarify that Reaves’ refusal of the extension does not signal any desire to leave Los Angeles. Instead, it is a financial choice aimed at maximizing his earnings. Speaking at his recent Reaves Brothers Basketball Camp, Reaves emphatically expressed his loyalty to the Lakers and the city.
I want to be in L.A.,
Reaves said.
If they want to trade me, then we’ll start something new somewhere else. But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A. I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball. I don’t pay attention to [the noise]. I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.
—Austin Reaves, Lakers guard
Career Growth and On-Court Performance Boost His Value
Reaves has steadily improved since joining the NBA as an undrafted player out of Oklahoma in 2021. In the most recent season, he posted career-best averages: 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 made three-pointers per game, while shooting 46% overall and 38% from beyond the arc. These numbers have increased every year over his four seasons, establishing him as a key contributor. Notably, Reaves joined an elite group of only 10 Lakers players to average at least 20 points and five assists per game in a season.
Looking Ahead: Financial Strategy and Team Impact
After securing a four-year, $54 million extension in 2023, Reaves’ decision to decline the current max offer reveals a calculated effort to maximize his future earnings. If he continues to perform at this level, he could command an even larger contract when he eventually hits unrestricted free agency. For the Lakers, keeping Reaves engaged but flexible presents both an opportunity and a challenge in roster planning moving forward. His desire to stay in Los Angeles underscores the mutual interest in a long-term partnership once the right financial terms are reached.