Austin Reaves’s ascent to becoming the Los Angeles Lakers’ third star this season represents a significant achievement for Rob Pelinka and the team’s front office.
Reaves has already exceeded the expectations set by the four-year, $54 million extension he signed in the summer of 2023. The undrafted guard is now positioned to capitalize on his elevated status.
Reaves, at 26 years old, will be eligible to sign a contract extension beginning on July 6th.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, it’s anticipated that Austin Reaves will decline any extension offer presented by the Lakers this offseason, and instead, exercise his option to opt out of his contract after the following season.
Austin Reaves Expected To Opt Out Of Los Angeles Lakers Next Extension
“How I expect this to play out is the Lakers will make their contract extension offer to Austin on July 6 or sometime around then and they will offer him about four years, $88 million-ish to 90 million,” The Athletic’s reporter said. “Somewhere in that range, which if you average that out is about 22-23 million per year on an annual basis that is below Austin’s market value.”
Reaves, currently sidelined with a calf injury, is in the midst of a career-defining season in the NBA. He’s averaging 19.1 points per game, achieving career-highs in scoring, while maintaining impressive shooting splits of 45% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he’s contributing 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, all of which represent career-best figures.
“I suspect the Lakers will make the formal offer of an extension and say, ‘Hey, this is the most we can offer. We’d love for you to sign this and remain a Laker for the foreseeable future,” Buha continued. “I’d expect Austin to decline that and not sign that extension and then opt out after the 2025-26 season. He’s got a player option for 2026-27.”
However, Jovan Buha was careful to emphasize that Austin Reaves remains committed to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that recognized his potential and provided him with his opportunity in the NBA.
“So, I think in that 2026 summer, he will opt out,” Buha added. “He will test free agency, and then he will try to remain a Laker long-term, but it’s gonna come down to what type of contract they offer him. He’s a guy who should be making at least $27-28+ million, if not $30+ million moving forward.”