Guard Austin Reaves confirmed that his primary objective during the 2026 off-season was to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, a goal he met by reaching a new four-year, $185 million agreement with the franchise.
“That was the main goal at the start of everything, to continue my career with the Lakers and whatever that looked like,” Reaves told Keith Jouganatos of KRCR Channel 7. “I love basketball, I want to compete, and I want to win.”
The deal, announced as the Lakers’ first move of the summer, keeps the 27-year-old guard in purple and gold for what will be his sixth through ninth NBA seasons. Reaves has spent his entire five-year career in Los Angeles, where he has developed into one of the league’s top young backcourt players and formed the NBA’s highest-scoring duo last season alongside superstar Luka Doncic.
Reaves acknowledged there were moments when he doubted a return was possible as negotiations with the Lakers front office stalled. Nevertheless, both sides ultimately secured the long-term contract they wanted.
With his future settled, Reaves said his focus shifts to winning. The guard is currently appearing in the American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament for the third consecutive year, but emphasized he will be ready for the Lakers’ 2026-27 campaign and a push for a championship next to Doncic.
Source: Lakers Nation
