Austin Reaves’ journey with the Los Angeles Lakers has been nothing short of remarkable. From going undrafted to becoming a pivotal player for the team, Reaves has earned his place as a key contributor. However, his contract situation has become increasingly complex, and the future of his tenure with the Lakers is uncertain.
Reaves is set to become eligible for a contract extension next offseason, with a potential maximum deal worth $82.9 million over four years ($20.8M/year). Given his impact and production, many believe this figure undervalues him. At 26, Reaves may choose to decline the extension and test free agency in 2026, where he could command a much larger deal, potentially a max contract worth up to $42.5 million per year.
The Lakers are in a difficult position. While Reaves has undoubtedly brought value to the team, the front office’s priorities lie in adding size, defensive grit, and wing depth. This might put Reaves at risk of becoming trade bait rather than a building block for the team’s future.
Trade rumors have already started circulating, with some proposals involving high-profile players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. A hypothetical trade proposed by Yahoo Sports’ Eddie Bitar would send Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and draft picks to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Giannis.
While this might just be speculation, it highlights the Lakers’ willingness to make tough decisions to pursue their championship ambitions. If Reaves’ contract demands don’t align with the team’s vision, sentiment might not be enough to save him from being traded. The future of the Austin Reaves era in LA hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if he’ll remain a key part of the team’s plans.
