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Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 14, 2025 11:39 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Lakers see Austin Reaves as a potential running mate for Luka Doncic. Reaves appeared in 73 games during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 20.2 points in 37.7% shooting from beyond the arc. It was the first time in his career that he averaged at least 20 points.
Even though he had to share the basketball with stars like Doncic, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves was a reliable third option. The downside, however, was that he didn’t provide the same production in the playoffs. His numbers dropped during the postseason, averaging 16.2 points over the five-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But the Lakers still believe Reaves is a player worth investing in. That is why they offered him a four-year, $89 million contract extension. Unfortunately for the team, the undrafted guard declined the offer this summer.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves moves to the basket. — Source: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jovan Buha Expects Reaves to Stay With the Lakers
After rejecting the contract offer, reports surfaced that Reaves was interested in signing a contract worth $30 million per year. NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin reported that the 6-foot-5 guard wants a deal similar to Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro.
“Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways). If Reaves shows this season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Dončić and can step up his game in the playoffs, the Lakers gladly will pay that much to keep him,” Helin wrote.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha agrees that Reaves is worth giving a contract similar to Herro. According to him, the guard is “easily in that class” when it comes to signing a new deal.
“People around the league are penciling him in to make $30+ million this summer whether it’s with the Lakers or someone else. I expect it to be with the Lakers. I expect him to re-sign on a multi-year deal and I think that’s a shrewd move on LA’s part. He wants to be a Laker for life,” Buha said.
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At the start of the offseason, Reaves reiterated that he wants to be with the Lakers for the rest of his career. He’s in the third year of his four-year, $53.8 million contract. Most insiders do not expect him to exercise his $14.8 million player option in 2026.
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Reign Amurao