Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is poised to remain in purple and gold after turning down his 2026-27 player option and agreeing to a four-year maximum contract worth $185 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported on June 24, 2026, that Reaves, 28, rejected the final season of his current deal, which would have paid roughly $14.9 million, in favor of the new agreement. The forthcoming contract includes a player option for the 2029-30 campaign.
Record payday for an undrafted player
The deal represents the richest contract ever signed by an undrafted NBA player. Reaves’ agents, Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, spent the past 10 days negotiating with the Lakers after teams were cleared to discuss terms with their own free agents.
Contract structure and cap implications
While Reaves was eligible for a five-year pact, he chose a four-year term—the longest another team could have offered—at an average annual value exceeding $46 million. Los Angeles retains his Bird rights, keeping his cap hold at $20.9 million and allowing the front office to use salary-cap space elsewhere before exceeding the cap to finalize his deal.
Support inside the locker room
Team officials had repeatedly stated their intention to keep Reaves, and that interest was mutual. League sources added that Luka Doncic expressed a desire to continue playing alongside Reaves, underscoring the guard’s importance in the locker room.
LeBron James on Reaves’ rise
Following the Lakers’ season, LeBron James praised Reaves’ development over their five years together. “He’s a hard worker, loves the game, wants to get better and isn’t afraid of constructive criticism,” James said, noting that he foresaw Reaves becoming a “big-time player” once given an opportunity.
The finalization of Reaves’ contract will clarify one major piece of the Lakers’ offseason, with attention now turning to how the organization will shape the rest of the roster under the salary cap.
Source: LakersNation.com
