Lakers’ Austin Reaves Says Maximizing Salary Is Not His Top Priority
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves reiterated this week that he is more concerned with staying in purple and gold than securing the largest possible contract when he becomes eligible for a new deal this summer.
Speaking with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the 27-year-old said he deliberately avoids dwelling on his next agreement. “I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it,” Reaves told the outlet. “Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a f***ing gigantic number that don’t make sense. I want to be here, I want to win.”
Reaves turned down a four-year, $89 million extension offered by the Lakers during the most recent offseason, a figure that represented the maximum amount the team could propose under league rules at the time. He and his representatives felt the offer “wasn’t the right number,” yet the guard emphasized his preference to remain with the franchise for the duration of his career.
The Arkansas native has bolstered his bargaining position with a breakout start to the 2025-26 campaign. With LeBron James sidelined, Reaves is averaging 30.3 points, 9.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds while guiding Los Angeles to an 8-3 record.
Reaves acknowledged that the Lakers’ performance will influence his future earnings. “At the end of the day, team success is going to help me,” he said. “If I help us, then it will help me in the long haul, when you’re winning.”
Head coach JJ Redick recently highlighted the chemistry between Reaves and new teammate Luka Dončić, noting that both guards relish exchanging trash talk on the court. The relationship has become a notable subplot as Los Angeles seeks to build on its early-season momentum.
No formal contract discussions are expected until the summer, but the organization has repeatedly signaled it plans to do everything possible to keep Reaves in Los Angeles long term.
Source: Lakers Nation
