Austin Reaves is on track for a contract worth around $160 million over four years, and the bottom line is that the Los Angeles Lakers can’t afford to wait to address it. Thanks to the limitations of his current deal, the Lakers can only offer a max extension of about $90 million, far below what Reaves will command on the open market.
Austin Reaves contract situation demands Lakers’ immediate attention
Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast put it plainly: “There’s just no way Austin Reaves is extending on this number. It’s like a four-year $90 million extension… I don’t really see that as being even remotely possible.”
Why such a gap? Well, due to the league rules, that is the maximum number allowed to be offered to him based on his service time with the team. Reaves was signed to a bargain deal as an undrafted rookie. The Lakers guard enjoyed a breakout season where he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in nearly 35 minutes per game. Now, his value has skyrocketed. Those numbers dropped by Reaves were all career highs. It is clear that the guy is trending upwards.
Vecenie did not hesitate to predict the payday that would be waiting for him: “He’s going to get like four [years]… $160 [million] in that ballpark if you made me bet.” From Reaves’ perspective, it is an absolute no-brainer to wait for free agency to come around.
Vecenie explained, “Austin Reaves…undrafted guy who’s made $50 million in his career would like the security of having $150 [million].”
The Lakers face a classic dilemma. As it stands, they can’t really lock him in now for the money he deserves to get, but waiting risks losing one of their most dependable and versatile players. Reaves’ ability to contribute as a three-level scorer and fit seamlessly alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic makes him super rare. There is also another factor to keep in mind.
Committing to that kind of contract will influence the Lakers’ roster flexibility, especially with bigger star moves potentially coming in the next couple of years. Doncic was just signed to a three-year extension, and the team needs to make sure they can put the best players that fit next to his game.
There is no doubt that Reaves has become a huge part of the Lakers for the last few years, but the question now is whether the team can prepare smartly before his market value doubles and other suitors step in. As of right now that clock is ticking, and that decision needs to be made Fast.
