Austin Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021, has become a valuable secondary scorer for the Los Angeles Lakers, positioning himself as a crucial part of the team’s offensive future. Despite turning down a four-year, $89 million contract extension offered earlier this week, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka remains optimistic about Reaves’ long-term role with the franchise.
Over the past three seasons, Reaves has consistently averaged double-digit points and showed marked improvement during the 2024-25 season. Standing 6-foot-5, the guard is aiming for a lucrative contract from the Lakers next offseason. Should he continue his upward trajectory, the team may have little choice but to meet his financial expectations to keep him onboard.
Pelinka, however, remains unfazed by Reaves’ decision to decline the extension. In a recent conversation with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers’ general manager expressed strong confidence in the potential of Reaves, alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, saying they still rank among the league’s elite frontcourt combinations.
“The level of confidence in Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Doncic is at an all-time high still,” Pelinka said. “I think those three guys have incredible promise playing together. And we will collectively do a better job to make sure they’re surrounded with the right pieces to have ultimate success.”
—Rob Pelinka, Lakers General Manager
Though Reaves is not yet on the superstar level of James or Doncic, he has become a critical contributor to their success. Both stars enjoy playing alongside him, allowing Reaves to exploit favorable defensive matchups during playoff contests. As an effective third scoring option, his continued development strengthens the Lakers’ offensive depth.
Challenges Beyond Reaves: Lakers’ Summer Priorities Revealed
While the Lakers are disappointed that Reaves declined their extension offer, this decision was anticipated and does not overshadow the greater priorities the team faces this offseason. Pelinka and the organization are preparing to negotiate a long-term contract with Luka Doncic, aiming to secure the rising superstar’s commitment to Los Angeles for years to come.
This summer, the Lakers have the option to propose a four-year deal worth $229 million to Doncic. After making a surprising trade to acquire him in February, Pelinka is determined to finalize a contract that keeps Doncic in the fold and forms a strong foundation for the team’s future.
Following Doncic, the focus will shift to the status of LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion is expected to accept his $52.6 million player option but has indicated a willingness to take a pay cut if the Lakers land certain free agents. Alternatively, James could reject the option to exert leverage, potentially signing a one-year deal with a player option for 2026.
Potential Impact on the Lakers’ Contention Chances
This summer presents a pivotal crossroads for the Lakers’ ambitions in the Western Conference. While keeping Austin Reaves is important, the team’s ability to build around its core stars will determine its competitiveness. Retaining Doncic and managing James’ contract demands will prove essential for the franchise’s long-term success.
With careful roster construction and strategic acquisitions, Rob Pelinka’s front office aims to assemble a group capable of challenging top contenders, including the Oklahoma City Thunder. If successful, the Lakers could maintain their status as a formidable presence heading into the next NBA seasons.