Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is off to a blistering start, averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists through his first five games while filling the void left by the absences of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The timely surge comes as the 27-year-old holds a player option for 2026-27 and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
League sources told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst that front-office executives expect Reaves to secure at least $30 million annually on his next contract. One Western Conference executive noted that “someone is going to pay him a lot of money next summer,” calling $30 million the likely floor. There are currently 59 NBA players earning that figure or more.
Potential Contract Scenarios
Because Reaves declined a four-year, $94 million maximum extension from the Lakers last offseason, he is eligible to negotiate far richer terms in July. Another executive projected that an outside team could offer four years and roughly $180 million, while Los Angeles might counter with a five-year package worth more in total dollars to keep him.
Observers add that if the guard maintains anything close to his early-season production, his market value could escalate to full-max territory—$40 million or more per season. Multiple clubs are expected to have significant cap space in 2026 and could pursue a lead ball-handler.
Mutual Interest in a Long-Term Deal
Both team and player have publicly expressed a desire to continue their partnership. Reaves has said he wants to remain in Los Angeles, and executives around the league believe the Lakers will do what is necessary to re-sign him.
Reaves can formally enter negotiations once free agency opens on July 1.
Source: LakersNation.com
