Lakers sign Austin Reaves to $185M, highest-paid undrafted

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured guard Austin Reaves with a four-year, $185 million maximum contract extension, a deal confirmed on Wednesday, June 24, that prevents him from entering free agency and makes him the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history. The agreement, which requires Reaves to decline a $14.9 million player option for the upcoming season, locks in a cornerstone piece alongside star Luka Doncic after Reaves delivered a career-best season averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists.

The move addresses a top offseason priority for the Lakers but also tightens the team's salary cap as they navigate other critical decisions. Most notably, the future of veteran star LeBron James, who is an unrestricted free agent, remains unresolved. According to multiple reports, communication between James and the Lakers has been minimal since the season ended, with no formal contract offer yet made. Team officials have indicated a desire to retain James, but the financial commitment to Reaves may complicate offering a similar salary to the 41-year-old forward.

The Lakers' immediate focus, according to insiders, is on addressing a significant roster need at center before turning...