In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community and left fans in Los Angeles stunned, emerging star Austin Reaves has reportedly turned down a lucrative four-year, $90 million max extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. The 26-year-old guard, who has blossomed into one of the league’s most promising two-way players, is now at the center of swirling speculation about his future, the Lakers’ plans, and what this decision means for the trajectory of both his career and the storied franchise he currently represents.
Reaves’ reported decision to decline the deal is particularly striking given the context of his rise to prominence. An undrafted free agent out of the University of Oklahoma in 2021, Reaves entered the league without the fanfare that typically accompanies future stars. However, through relentless work ethic, unshakable confidence, and a skill set that meshes perfectly with modern NBA play, he earned his place on the Lakers roster and soon after became an integral part of their rotation. Over the last two seasons, Reaves has evolved from a feel-good story into a bonafide starter, impressing coaches, teammates, and analysts alike with his poise, basketball IQ, and clutch performances.
Turning down a $90 million offer — the maximum the Lakers could extend under the current collective bargaining agreement — suggests that Reaves and his camp believe he’s worth even more, either financially or in terms of role and opportunity. It also raises eyebrows as to what his long-term vision is. Is Reaves eyeing a bigger platform? Does he envision himself as a primary offensive option rather than a complementary piece to aging superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Or is this a strategic leverage play meant to increase his value on the open market and test just how badly the Lakers — or another team — want to keep him?
For the Lakers, this development adds a complicated wrinkle to what was already a pivotal offseason. The franchise is navigating the end stages of LeBron’s career, trying to remain competitive while setting the stage for the future. Reaves had been widely considered a cornerstone of that future. His blend of shooting, playmaking, and defensive grit, not to mention his deep understanding of the team’s schemes, made him a key piece in the Lakers’ efforts to build around their aging stars. By turning down their max offer, Reaves has now forced the Lakers to confront an uncomfortable truth: retaining him might not be as easy or certain as previously believed.
Financially, the Lakers are in a tough spot. The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement penalizes teams that exceed certain spending thresholds, particularly when it comes to building around multiple stars. With Davis locked into a long-term extension and LeBron still commanding a sizable salary, the Lakers already face luxury tax implications. Reaves turning down the max doesn’t mean the Lakers won’t try to keep him, but it does mean the bidding could escalate quickly, especially if teams with cap space — or sign-and-trade ambitions — decide to get involved.
There’s also the matter of how this decision impacts the locker room and team chemistry. Reaves has been beloved by teammates for his toughness, unselfishness, and understated leadership. He’s built strong on-court chemistry with both LeBron and Davis, and his willingness to do the dirty work while still hitting big shots has earned him a rare level of trust. A prolonged contract saga or, worse, a departure, could disrupt the fragile balance the Lakers have built. For a team that has struggled in recent years to maintain continuity and cohesion, losing Reaves would be more than just a statistical hit — it would be an emotional and cultural blow as well.
From Reaves’ perspective, the move is bold but potentially brilliant. While turning down $90 million would be risky for most players, Reaves is clearly betting on himself — and he may have the leverage to do so. With the NBA’s salary cap projected to rise in the coming years and player movement more fluid than ever, locking into a long-term deal now could limit his earnings later. A shorter deal or a move to a team with a greater offensive role might allow him to boost his stats and value even further, leading to an even larger payday down the line. It’s also worth considering that, at 26, Reaves is entering his prime — this is arguably the most critical juncture of his career.
In addition, his marketability is on the rise. Reaves’ underdog story, clean-cut image, and flashy-but-grounded playing style have made him a fan favorite, not just in Los Angeles but around the league. He was one of the breakout performers for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, drawing international attention for his clutch plays and composure under pressure. If he continues to trend upward, it’s not unthinkable that endorsement deals and off-court opportunities could add significantly to his financial portfolio, giving him even more flexibility in negotiations.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have few easy answers. Should they try to negotiate a different kind of deal? Offer more incentives or a player option to sweeten the pot? Consider moving him in a trade to avoid losing him for nothing? Or should they simply hold the line, call his bluff, and hope that Reaves ultimately decides to stay? Each path carries risk, and with the clock ticking on LeBron’s tenure, the margin for error is razor thin.
There’s also a broader question about what this says regarding the Lakers’ ability to retain homegrown talent. In recent years, the team has struggled to hold onto key young players, often trading them in pursuit of stars. From Brandon Ingram to Lonzo Ball to Kyle Kuzma, many of the Lakers’ recent draftees have found success elsewhere after leaving Los Angeles. Losing Reaves — especially after he surpassed expectations and became a reliable playoff performer — would reinforce a troubling pattern and raise further questions about the team’s long-term strategy.
The rest of the league is undoubtedly watching closely. There are several teams with both the cap space and the need for a player like Reaves: young, smart, versatile, and playoff-tested. Squads like the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and even the Philadelphia 76ers could all emerge as potential suitors if Reaves becomes available. And given his skill set, it’s not hard to imagine him flourishing in a system where he’s given more freedom and responsibility.
