Austin Reaves trims new deal to $180 million, preserving Lakers’ cap flexibility
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Los Angeles — Guard Austin Reaves has finalized a four-year, $180 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, electing to take slightly less than his 25 percent maximum to help the club maintain future salary-cap room.
The agreement became official on Sunday, July 12. One day later, reporter Jovan Buha disclosed that Reaves shaved $5 million off the previously reported $185 million total and secured a player option for the 2029-30 season.
According to league sources, Reaves accepted a 4 percent raise between the first and second years of the deal instead of the standard 8 percent. The smaller bump mirrors Sandro Mamukelashvili’s “dip year” structure and is expected to leave the Lakers with an estimated $16 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception next offseason.
The additional space could position Los Angeles to pursue an impact wing defender, a roster need noted by team officials.
Pelinka praises Reaves’ commitment
“Austin’s relentless pursuit of improvement, fierce competitiveness and commitment to winning have made him an integral part of our organization,” president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to continue building with him as a cornerstone of our team as we pursue our championship goals.”
With LeBron James no longer on the roster, the 26-year-old Reaves is now the Lakers’ longest-tenured player and is expected to assume a larger leadership role moving forward.
Source: Lakers Nation
