The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to face one of the most important decisions of their offseason when it comes to the future of Austin Reaves.
After a breakout 2025-26 campaign, Reaves appears positioned to command a significant raise, and one NBA insider believes the price tag could reach the maximum level.
Speaking on a recent appearance of Spectrum SportsNet Live, Los Angeles Times reporter Brad Turner discussed Reaves’ upcoming contract situation and the potential challenge facing the Lakers.
“He bet on himself,” Turner said. “He stands to make five-years $241 million from the Lakers if they offer him that deal or if he goes to a team like Chicago, or a team like Brooklyn he can get four-years $178 million.”
Turner noted that rival teams with available cap space could emerge as serious threats if negotiations become complicated.
“Those teams will kind of lurk around but based on what I understand what I keep hearing – Austin wants the max,” Turner said. “Is he willing to give the Lakers a hometown deal? I’m not so sure about that.”
The possibility of a discount also remains uncertain because of the representation involved.
“Maybe he does but maybe his reps don’t,” Turner added.
"Based on what I understand, what I keep hearing: Austin wants the max. Is he willing to give the Lakers a hometown deal? I'm not so sure about that" – @BA_Turner on Austin Reaves pic.twitter.com/tCMgicHEtY
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 5, 2026
Reaves has steadily developed from an undrafted free agent into one of the Lakers’ most important players. During the 2025-26 season, he produced career highs across the board, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 49 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range and 87.1 percent from the free-throw line across 51 games.
Austin Reaves' breakout season strengthens leverage in Lakers contract talks
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Before injuries interrupted his season, Reaves was putting together what many considered an All-Star-caliber campaign.
“And Austin was having an All-Star year until he got injured,” Turner said. “He was having a great year when they were going strong in March.”
Turner also pointed to Reaves’ chemistry with Luka Doncic as a major factor in the Lakers’ long-term planning.
“He has shown that he’s a top player in the NBA and him and Luka together they form one of the best backcourts offensively in the NBA,” Turner said.
Reaves battled multiple injuries throughout the year, including a strained left calf and a Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered in early April. The oblique injury forced him to miss the opening portion of the Lakers’ playoff run before he eventually returned.
Despite those setbacks, Reaves remained one of the league’s most productive guards and further strengthened his market value.
With LeBron James' future still under discussion and the Lakers attempting to maximize their championship window around Doncic and Reaves, retaining the 28-year-old guard is expected to be one of the organization’s top priorities. The question now is whether Los Angeles is prepared to meet the price that could come with keeping him long term.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to face one of the most important decisions of their offseason when it comes to the future of Austin Reaves. After a breakout 2025-26 campaign, Reaves appears positioned to command a significant raise, and one NBA insider believes the price tag could reach the maximum level.