Austin Reaves Could Be Turning Down $89M from the Lakers — And It Might Be the Smartest Move of His Career
Under the current CBA limits, the Los Angeles Lakers can only offer Austin Reaves a four-year, $89.2 million contract extension this offseason. While that may sound like a hefty payday, the rising star may have a strong financial incentive to play the long game.
If Reaves opts to bypass the extension and instead becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer of 2026, he could position himself for a far more lucrative deal. By then, assuming continued development and a sustained upward trajectory in performance, Reaves could be eligible for a contract starting at $42.5 million per year — the maximum for players with 7–9 years of service time.
That figure would place him among the highest-paid guards in the league, especially if the salary cap continues its projected rise. And while there’s always risk involved in delaying long-term security — particularly in a league where injuries can derail careers overnight — Reaves’ confidence in his game and continued role growth with the Lakers might make this gamble worth it.
Reaves, who averaged career highs across multiple categories last season and solidified his spot as a starter, has become a crucial piece of the Lakers’ core. His versatility, shooting, and high basketball IQ make him a natural fit alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
From the Lakers’ perspective, locking Reaves into a team-friendly deal now would provide much-needed cost certainty in an increasingly expensive roster. But their hands are tied by the CBA rules governing non-max extensions, meaning any deal now would fall short of what Reaves could fetch on the open market in 2026.
For Reaves, the decision comes down to security versus upside. If he believes in his continued growth and durability, waiting could net him upwards of $170 million — nearly double what he can secure today.
The Lakers and their fans will hope he’s willing to commit now. But if Reaves continues on his current path, he may have every reason to bet on himself — and win big in 2026.
