Austin Reaves Poised for Major Lakers Extension

Austin Reaves is poised to command a massive extension after a breakout season with the Los Angeles Lakers, having declined a four-year, $89.2 million offer earlier in the offseason. With two years remaining on his current deal and a clear desire to stay in Los Angeles, the 27-year-old guard is viewed by many as moving toward a contract in the Tyler Herro stratosphere—roughly $30 million per year or higher—when free agency opens next summer. Reaves’ production in the 2024-25 season elevated him from a promising, undrafted find to a core piece of a championship-contending roster, fueling expectations that he will be paid accordingly.

Last season solidified Reaves as a central figure in the Lakers’ attack. He averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting efficiently from the floor and beyond the arc. Those numbers came with him serving as a clear third option behind LeBron James and the returning star pairing that included Luka Dončić, underscoring his value as a high-caliber scorer and playmaker who can be relied upon in big moments. Yet for all his on-court impact, his long-term deal has been a focal point of front-office discussions, with the...