The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a new agreement with guard Austin Reaves, signing the sixth-year player to a reported four-year contract valued at $185 million, according to league sources. The deal includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and represents the maximum salary Reaves could receive under the collective bargaining agreement.
“Austin’s relentless work ethic and commitment to winning have become a cornerstone of our culture,” Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “We’re excited to continue building around him as we pursue our championship goals.”
Reaves, 27, declined the final season of his previous contract to enter unrestricted free agency, but both sides repeatedly signaled a desire to finalize a long-term pact. The undrafted guard from Wichita State and Oklahoma emerged as Luka Dončić’s primary backcourt partner last season, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three in 51 games (45 starts).
With LeBron James leaving in free agency, Reaves now becomes the longest-tenured Laker and the clear No. 2 option next to Dončić. “Winning a championship is the main goal,” Reaves said. “With me and Luka, that’s a great starting point, and I believe the roster we’re putting together can compete for a title.”
The revamped roster also features defensive center Walker Kessler, stretch forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, two-way wing Quentin Grimes and high-scoring reserve guard Collin Sexton. Kessler, Mamukelashvili and Grimes are each signed to four-year contracts, giving Los Angeles a core group under team control for the foreseeable future.
Source: Lakers Nation
