Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers sharp shooter, is entering a critical phase of his career with the final guaranteed year of his current four-year, $53.8 million contract starting in 2025. At 27 years old, Reaves has established himself as a key player alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Although he holds a player option valued at nearly $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season, it is widely expected that he will decline it to explore free agency, as his worth is projected to nearly double on the open market.
Estimated Earnings and Industry Predictions
Lakers insider Jovan Buha projects that Reaves could command a salary between $30 million and $35 million annually in his next contract. Buha compares him favorably to other players in that salary bracket.
“I think he’s more like a $30 to $35 million per year player,”
Buha stated.
If you look at some of the guys in that range, guys like Immanuel Quickley and Tyler Herro, I think Austin is easily in that class, and better than a lot of the guys in the $30 to $32 million range.
Reaves’ Commitment and Future With the Lakers
Despite the lucrative financial opportunities available through free agency, Reaves is believed to have a strong desire to remain with the Lakers. According to Buha, multiple league insiders anticipate his next contract to be with Los Angeles, reflecting his loyalty and the team’s strategic plans.
People around the league are penciling him in to make $30-plus million [next] summer, whether it’s with the Lakers or someone else. I expect it to be with the Lakers. I expect him to re-sign on a multi-year deal, and I think that’s the shrewd move from LA’s part. He wants to be a Laker. He wants to be a Laker for life.
Performance Metrics Highlighting Reaves’ Value
Last season, Reaves played in 73 games, recording an average of 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was strong, hitting 46.0% from the floor overall and 37.7% from beyond the arc. These statistics further solidify his status as a valuable contributor to the Lakers’ lineup.
Implications of the Contract Extension for the Lakers
Securing Reaves on a significant contract extension not only rewards his on-court contributions but also positions the Lakers with a dependable offensive player as they continue to build a competitive roster around established stars like LeBron James. His potential multi-year deal reflecting a $30 million-plus annual value would mark a substantial pay raise, aligning with his growing role on the team and in the league.