Austin Reaves, the rising star of the Los Angeles Lakers, has officially declined a significant contract extension offer from the team, signaling a pivotal moment in his career. Reports indicate that Reaves turned down a max extension worth $89.2 million over four years, which was presented to him earlier this week. This development has sparked discussions about his future in Los Angeles, as he has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers.
While the rejection of the offer may seem alarming to fans, sources clarify that it does not reflect any discord between Reaves and the organization. Instead, the decision is seen as a strategic move in light of the financial opportunities available in the next free agency period. Reaves is currently preparing to kick off the third year of a four-year, $54 million contract he signed in 2023, which was the maximum amount the Lakers could provide at that time.
The allure of free agency in the summer of 2026 plays heavily into Reaves’ decision-making process. If he chooses to enter free agency, he could be eligible for a much more lucrative contract—potentially a starting salary of approximately $42.5 million on a five-year, $246.7 million max deal from the Lakers or a four-year, $182.9 million max offer from other teams. This represents nearly a $100 million potential difference compared to the extension offer on the table now.
Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka has emphasized Reaves’ importance to the team’s core, alongside stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Reaves himself, despite the financial complexities, has reiterated his commitment to the Lakers and his aspiration to be a pivotal player for the franchise for years to come.
Reaves’ journey from undrafted free agent to key contributor on the Lakers illustrates not only his growth as a player but also the changing landscape of contracts in the NBA. His focus now turns to maximizing his earnings, which is a realistic path considering his contributions on the court. As fans look ahead, there remains hope that Reaves will continue to thrive in Los Angeles and potentially secure a deal that truly reflects his value as a player.