Austin Reaves Poised For $35M+ Lakers Contract

Austin Reaves is on track for a big payday — team and league sources expect he could earn more than $35 million a year on his next contract, with some guessing north of $40 million. Reaves can decline a $14.8M player option for 2026-27 to become an unrestricted free agent; the Lakers can outbid anyone, and he declined what he felt was a low extension, saying, "We didn't think that the number was the right number... I want to be in L.A." He enters that market after a career year (20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists) and rare all-around production. Merlin sees the logic: a steady, high-IQ guard who fits next to LeBron and Anthony Davis is premium real estate. If Reaves proves he can lift the Lakers in meaningful playoff moments, the market will reward him. If not, the price may cool.