Austin Reaves’ time with the Los Angeles Lakers has been the subject of constant speculation, especially as he enters the final year of his current contract. Rumors have swirled for months that the Lakers might use him as a trade chip, whether as a sweetener in a deal involving a star player or as part of a future cap-clearing maneuver to prepare for the post-LeBron James era. But despite all the noise, there’s a growing sentiment among NBA insiders that Reaves is not only likely to stay in Los Angeles but might also be rewarded with a significant contract extension that would solidify his role with the franchise well into the future.
Multiple league executives have recently expressed the belief that the Lakers are poised to offer Austin Reaves a contract extension worth approximately $30 million per year. This potential move would mark a significant investment in a player who has gone from undrafted underdog to one of the most reliable two-way contributors on the roster. The Lakers’ willingness to put that level of financial commitment into Reaves suggests they see him not merely as a role player, but as a foundational piece of their roster going forward—someone who can bridge the present LeBron-AD era with whatever comes next.
What makes this development particularly notable is how it contrasts with the prevailing narrative of Reaves being a trade candidate. Whether it was chatter about including him in a blockbuster trade for a third star, whispers about his fit with a theoretical Damian Lillard acquisition, or simply speculation about maximizing asset value before he hits free agency, Reaves has consistently been in the rumor mill. His name has surfaced repeatedly as a potential piece to entice teams in trades that could bring back veteran depth, elite shot creators, or frontcourt size. Yet through it all, the Lakers have held firm, showing no serious inclination to part with him unless the return was undeniably transformative.
The Lakers’ apparent intent to extend Reaves is a clear endorsement of what he’s become in purple and gold. Over the last two seasons, Reaves has evolved from a promising but relatively unknown rookie into a do-it-all guard with high basketball IQ, exceptional footwork, and the versatility to play on or off the ball. He finished the 2024-25 season averaging 16.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting over 38% from three-point range—numbers that placed him among the most efficient secondary scorers in the league. But beyond the stats, it’s his intangibles that make him so valuable: poise under pressure, the ability to draw fouls and convert at the line, and a toughness that resonates in high-stakes playoff environments.
The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, seems to recognize that letting Reaves walk—or even trading him prematurely—would be a mistake akin to letting Caruso walk in 2021, a decision that continues to draw criticism in hindsight. The Lakers are known to value star power above all else, often chasing big names at the expense of team continuity. But the reported desire to keep Reaves for the long term indicates a subtle philosophical shift: a renewed appreciation for continuity, development, and chemistry. Retaining Reaves on a sizable deal would be a bet not just on his continued growth, but on the idea that sustainable success requires more than just headline-grabbing acquisitions.
Of course, $30 million per year is a significant number. It places Reaves in the tier of players like Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey (pre-max), or even a bit higher depending on the structure of the contract. That kind of financial commitment comes with expectations, and it would immediately raise the bar for Reaves in terms of responsibility and consistency. He would need to maintain, if not improve, his current production while becoming even more of a leader in the locker room and on the floor. But based on everything he’s shown over the past two years—from summer workouts with Team USA to clutch playoff performances—it’s hard to doubt that he’s up to the challenge.
