An NBA executive closely following the Los Angeles Lakers anticipates that guard Austin Reaves will secure a contract worth over $30 million annually following his recent performance. This prediction was shared in an interview with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, where the executive noted,
I think he will get $30 [million] plus,
underscoring the player’s rising value within the league.
Bontemps added that this viewpoint reflects the consensus among several front office voices queried about Reaves’ upcoming deal, indicating broad agreement inside NBA circles. Currently 27 years old, Reaves has the option to remain with the Lakers, but his planned decision to exercise his player option next summer suggests he will likely pursue a more lucrative contract elsewhere since his current option is valued at $14.9 million.
Challenges and Pressure Ahead for Reaves in Playoffs
While Reaves appears positioned for a substantial contract increase, his long-term status with the Lakers remains uncertain. An assistant coach from a Western Conference team emphasized the critical nature of this season for him, stating,
This is a big season for him,
before adding,
He’d better bring it in the playoffs, because he’s got to be good enough [to pair with Luka Dončić].
This implies that Reaves faces significant expectations to prove his worth during the Lakers’ postseason run.
The Lakers’ past decisions, such as allowing free agent Alex Caruso to leave in 2021, continue to loom over the franchise. Caruso’s role in helping the Oklahoma City Thunder contend for a championship has sparked ongoing debate about whether Los Angeles underestimated his value and should have done more to retain him.
Reaves’ Performance and Its Impact on His Value
The 2024-25 season presented a mixed picture of Reaves’ contributions. He achieved career-best averages during the regular season, posting 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, signaling his offensive growth. However, his playoff performance raised concerns; in the Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he shot just 31.9 percent from beyond the arc, and the team recorded a minus-10.1 net rating when he was on the court, according to NBA.com.
This inconsistency leaves questions about whether Reaves can justify a $30 million-plus contract, especially given the void his potential departure would create in Los Angeles’ roster. The Lakers will likely need him to elevate his playoff game to solidify his place as a core contributor moving forward.
Looking Forward to Reaves’ Role with the Lakers
The onus is now on Reaves to build on his breakout season and demonstrate that he can carry his regular-season success into the postseason in 2025-26. If he manages to deliver consistently strong performances, it could make the Lakers’ decision to invest heavily in him more straightforward. His trajectory will be closely watched as the team balances its ambitions and roster construction in the coming years.