Lakers' Austin Reaves Reportedly Could Get $40M Per Season in Next Contract

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is reportedly expected to cash in big with his next contract.

The Athletic's Dan Woike reported that he "spoke with team and league sources who expect Reaves to earn more than $35 million a year on his next deal, with sources from two teams (neither being the Lakers) speculating that he could command more than $40 million a year."

Reaves can become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines the $14.8 million player option on his contract for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers will be able to offer him more than any other team, but there's still a chance that he explores the open market. He told Woike that he turned down an extension offer from the team this summer that he felt was below his value.

"We didn't think that the number was the right number. And that's not saying that we're gonna go search for a number that's out of the world," Reaves said. "I want to be in L.A. I want to continue to play Virginia Country Club on off days. It's not like we're trying to just whack 'em over the head for more money than what I deserve. We just want to get what we feel like I've put the work in to get."

Reaves started all 73 of his appearances last season and averaged career highs of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists. Woike noted that he was one of just 13 players to average at least 20 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds last year.

Still, Reaves will have to prove his worth as a key contributor behind the star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The Lakers are hoping to compete for an NBA championship as James enters the twilight of his career, so a strong season from Reaves would go a long way toward helping them achieve their goal, which would earn him a major payday.