Austin Reaves Expected to Demand Full Max Contract From Lakers This Summer
SLUG: austin-reaves-max-contract-lakers-offseason-2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves plans to pursue a maximum-salary contract when free agency opens this offseason, according to comments by the Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner on Spectrum SportsNet.
The 27-year-old is eligible for a five-year deal worth roughly $241 million with the Lakers, beginning at close to $50 million in the first season. Turner said Reaves “wants the max” and may be unwilling to accept a hometown discount to remain in Los Angeles.
If the Lakers hesitate, rival clubs could enter the bidding. Franchises such as the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets can offer up to four years and about $178 million, or approximately $42 million annually, under league rules limiting outside offers to four seasons.
Reaves had been tracking toward an All-Star selection before injuries cut short his regular season. Team officials have praised his chemistry with star guard Luka Dončić, calling their pairing one of the league’s most potent offensive backcourts.
The Lakers have repeatedly stated their intent to re-sign Reaves, but the negotiations will test how far the front office is willing to go financially to keep the former undrafted free agent in purple and gold.
Source: LakersNation
