Austin Reaves is at the heart of pressing questions about the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster as the team navigates a pivotal moment regarding his contract. After the Lakers sacrificed Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, Reaves’ role and future in Los Angeles have come under intense scrutiny. The guard’s upcoming contract negotiations now center on how his value compares to other young offensive talents, influencing the franchise’s planning.
Current Impasse and Lakers’ Hesitance to Meet Reaves’ Demands
The Lakers currently seem reluctant to agree to the terms Austin Reaves is seeking, which has raised concerns about his long-term place on the team. Reaves recently declined a four-year contract offer worth $90 million, signaling his belief that his market worth exceeds this proposal. As details around his requested pay surface, the negotiation has grown more complex, highlighting a growing divide between the player’s camp and the front office.
Tyler Herro’s Contract Sets the Benchmark for Reaves’ Expectations
Tyler Herro’s recent four-year, $120 million contract with the Miami Heat provides a clear reference point for Reaves. Herro earns approximately $30 million per year, establishing a top salary standard for young scoring guards in similar roles across the league.
By contrast, the offer that Reaves turned down would have paid him around $22.5 million annually, creating a significant gap that explains the delay in reaching an agreement. Not just the annual salary, but also the deal’s length and structure factor into how both sides assess Reaves’ fit on a Lakers roster now built with Dončić as its centerpiece.
Insights from Kurt Helin on Reaves’ Free Agency Prospects
NBA analyst Kurt Helin from NBC Sports highlighted that Reaves is very unlikely to exercise his player option for the upcoming season, putting pressure on both his performance this year and the Lakers’ willingness to invest in him.
“Reaves will be a free agent. There is zero chance he is picking up his $14.9 million player option, even if he plans to stay with the Lakers. Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways). If Reaves shows this season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Doncic and can step up his game in the playoffs, the Lakers gladly will pay that much to keep him (and Reaves will want to stay).”
—Kurt Helin, Senior NBA Writer, NBC Sports
Helin added caution about Reaves’ future if his playoff performance does not improve:
“However, if he struggles again in the playoffs, the Lakers, who will have a lot of cap space, may question whether that is the best way to spend their money.”
—Kurt Helin, Senior NBA Writer, NBC Sports
Comparing Reaves’ and Herro’s On-Court Production
Austin Reaves posted strong numbers last season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, which supports his case for a more lucrative deal and a larger offensive role. Tyler Herro, who commands a bigger contract, averaged 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, explaining why his salary sets the benchmark Reaves aims to match.
One key difference is that Herro functions as Miami’s lead scoring option, while Reaves has not yet had similar freedom to lead the Lakers’ offense. This distinction impacts both his perceived value and the salary discussions surrounding him.
Playoff Performance’s Influence on Contract Negotiations
Reaves’ ability to rise in key moments is under close evaluation after his disappointing performance during the Lakers’ recent playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This has complicated contract talks, as the franchise weighs the risk of committing significant salary to a guard who must prove he can maintain his regular-season impact when defenses intensify.
The upcoming season is shaping up to be crucial for Reaves in demonstrating his fit alongside Dončić and showing he can perform under playoff pressure, which will heavily influence how the Lakers approach his contract.
Significance of the Upcoming Season for Reaves and the Lakers
Reaves aims to use the new season as a platform to maximize his value, knowing that exceptional play can reshape future contract discussions. Should he deliver consistent, high-level performances, it could secure him a contract reflecting his ambitions and solidify his role on a Lakers team eager to contend deep into the playoffs.
The Lakers’ early-season performance will offer insight into Reaves’ standing with the team and how negotiations may proceed. Stable contributions from key guards often strengthen a team’s offensive consistency, making the outcome of these talks essential for both Reaves and Los Angeles moving forward.