Lakers Guard Austin Reaves Declines $89M Extension, Aims Higher
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, 27, turned down a 4-year, $89.2 million maximum extension that would begin next season, opting instead to bet on a more lucrative, longer-term deal in 2026 as an unrestricted free agent.
- Reaves is in year 3 of his current 4-year, $54 million deal signed in July 2023.
- After posting career-best averages—20.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.5 RPG with 37.7% from 3 and leading the Lakers with 200 triples—he’s positioned to chase a much bigger contract.
- Inside the organization, he’s considered a key piece of coach JJ Redick’s core. The extension was limited by league rules—not a reflection of any friction.
Despite declining the extension, Reaves emphasized his loyalty to the franchise:
“I want to be in L.A.… I want to play my whole career in L.A.”
On Reddit, Lakers fans contextualized the move:
“He is capped at how much he can make from an extension from us at the moment. If he hits free agency we can pay him more or someone else can pay him more.”
This underscores a common view: the decision wasn’t about loyalty, but maximizing future earnings.
Reaves can opt out and pursue a 5-year, $246.7 million maximum deal—potentially with the Lakers. The Lakers must decide whether to build around him or explore trade options before he hits unrestricted free agency. Fans and analysts are already speculating .
Reaves declined a substantial but capped extension to bet on himself and aim higher. As long as he continues to excel, he could land a major payday in 2026. Meanwhile, the Lakers retain a player they value greatly—but will need to navigate salary cap rules and long-term planning carefully.
