The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a pivotal offseason as they face important contract negotiations with Austin Reaves, their emerging key player. Despite adding star Luka Doncic to the roster, the Lakers must focus on retaining Reaves, who has grown into one of their most valuable contributors.
Since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves has steadily increased his impact. By the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-5 guard boosted his scoring average from 15.9 to 20.2 points per game, proving his offensive development and increasing his market value significantly.
The Stakes of Reaves’ Contract Decision After a Breakout Season
Reaves currently holds a playing option after the latest season, which he is expected to decline, stepping into free agency. His existing contract was a bargain for the Lakers, paying roughly $13.5 million annually. Now, with Reaves’ rising stock, the organization must prepare for his potentially lucrative demands.
Potential Offer and the Challenge of Matching Market Interest
The Lakers reportedly proposed a four-year, $89 million contract to Reaves in June, but it fell short of his expectations. Sources indicate that Reaves is targeting a much higher figure, potentially in the range of $160 to $180 million over four years. Such a contract would average $40 to $45 million per season—an amount large for a non-All-Star but possibly justified by his upside.
“One person who I’m a big fan of and I know he’s going to try to hit the open market because he’ll get a lot more is Austin Reaves,”
—Matt Barnes, Former Lakers Player and Analyst
“I feel like he can get a lot of money somewhere else, that probably may not be on a winning type of team. But he can get north of 160, 180,”
—Matt Barnes, Former Lakers Player and Analyst
Reaves’ value is viewed differently depending on the team perspective. While the Lakers benefit from his bird rights—allowing them certain financial advantages in signing him—the amount of money he seeks may force them into a difficult decision. The Lakers have always positioned Reaves as a solid complementary player, but any outside franchise might see the chance to make him a primary option worth the investment.
Pressure Builds on Lakers to Decide Reaves’ Future
With limited assets to offer in trades and negotiations, the Lakers may be forced to reevaluate their stance on trading Reaves if talks do not progress positively. Historically, the organization resisted moving him, but the urgency of contract demands and roster balance could change that approach.
“They have refused to move him in the past, but again, I think they’re on the clock now. Understanding what’s at stake, I would be surprised if he finishes the season as a Laker,”
—Matt Barnes, Former Lakers Player and Analyst
This prediction from Barnes, a respected voice close to the Lakers, suggests that management could consider trading Reaves if a suitable offer arises. Such a move would be surprising to many, given the Lakers’ prior reluctance, but the franchise’s recent history—including the unexpected Anthony Davis trade—warns that no decision is off the table.
Impact on the Lakers’ Roster and the Road Ahead
The forthcoming contract negotiations with Austin Reaves represent a defining moment for the Lakers’ future strategy. Whether they commit to a high-value contract amidst competition or explore trading options to preserve flexibility, the team’s choices will shape their roster composition and championship aspirations.
As the offseason approaches, the focus will remain on balancing financial considerations with competitive goals, especially in the shadow of Luka Doncic’s prominence. The Lakers must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain a strong core while managing salary cap pressures and long-term team development.