From Undrafted to Unbelievable Payday: Austin Reaves Eyes $246M Max Deal After Player Option Decision
LOS ANGELES, CA — The incredible rise of Austin Reaves just added another chapter — and this one could come with life-changing money.
According to league insiders, Reaves is expected to opt out of his player option next summer, setting the stage for one of the most lucrative contract negotiations in recent Lakers history. If he chooses to stay in Los Angeles, the 26-year-old guard will be eligible for a 5-year, $246 million maximum contract. Should he decide to test the open market, other teams can offer him up to $183 million over four years.
🏀 From Undrafted to Franchise Cornerstone
Just a few years ago, Reaves went undrafted out of Oklahoma, fighting for a roster spot in the NBA. But with grit, relentless work ethic, and a knack for making big plays, he has transformed into a key piece of the Lakers’ core.
Over the past two seasons, Reaves has solidified his reputation as:
✔️ A versatile playmaker
✔️ A reliable shooter
✔️ A scrappy, high-IQ defender
✔️ A fan favorite for his underdog mentality
His growth has not only earned him starting minutes alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but now positions him for a financial windfall that few undrafted players ever experience.
💰 The Financial Breakdown
Here’s what Reaves’ next contract could look like:
If he stays with the Lakers:
5 years
$246 million max deal
Full Bird Rights retention, meaning the Lakers can offer more years and dollars than any other team
If he signs elsewhere:
4 years
$183 million max deal
Restricted to league-wide salary cap limits for other franchises
Lakers insiders have long viewed Reaves as a long-term building block, and with the team eager to remain competitive in the Western Conference, securing his future could be a top priority.
🗣️ What Reaves is Saying
While Reaves hasn’t made any public declarations about his future, he’s been vocal about his appreciation for the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles.
“I love it here — I’ve said that from day one,” Reaves told reporters last season. “But obviously, basketball is a business. When the time comes, we’ll look at everything.”
👀 What’s Next?
Reaves is expected to play out the upcoming season under his current contract, which pays $13.4 million, before officially opting out next summer. Barring injury or significant decline, all signs point to the Lakers being prepared to lock him down with
a massive payday — if he chooses to stay.
