Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to enter free agency this summer, and former Lakers champion Danny Green believes the 28-year-old has earned a maximum contract.
During an interview on 710 AM ESPN L.A., Green called himself “a big Austin Reaves guy” and said the fourth-year guard “is very worthy of a max.” Reaves can receive up to five years and $239 million from the Lakers or four years and $178 million from another franchise once he declines his $14.9 million player option.
Green acknowledged that fitting a max salary into a championship roster is difficult, particularly with California’s high taxes, but added he would “love for him to stay a Laker.” He compared Reaves’ situation to Jalen Brunson’s, suggesting players secure top dollar early in their careers before considering pay cuts later.
League sources have indicated Reaves and his representatives are indeed seeking a max agreement. If another team meets that price, the Lakers could face a tough decision, as committing $239 million to Reaves would limit flexibility for roster moves.
Recent reports also suggest Los Angeles may keep much of last season’s roster intact despite being swept in the 2025-26 second round, leaving the organization with few clear paths to add talent if Reaves returns on a maximum deal.
Source: LakersNation.com
