Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is playing his way toward one of the NBA’s biggest paydays after a historic start to the 2025-26 season that has rival executives predicting a near-maximum contract offer next summer.
Reaves Joins Elite Company With Historic Start
With Luka Dončić and LeBron James sidelined by injuries, Reaves has emerged as the Lakers’ offensive engine. Through five games, he became just the sixth player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 10 assists, joining Nikola Jokić, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Nate “Tiny” Archibald, and Oscar Robertson (twice).
Reaves capped the run with a game-winning floater at the buzzer in a 116-115 victory over the Sacramento Kings, finishing with 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists. The Lakers improved to 3-2, going 2-1 without their two stars.
Executive Says Reaves Could Command $180 Million
One Western Conference executive told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps that Reaves could receive offers as high as four years and $180 million when he becomes a free agent — doubling the four-year, $89.2 million extension he turned down last offseason.
Bontemps wrote that front office executives around the league believe $30 million per year is the baseline for Reaves’ next deal. Under NBA rules, only the Lakers can offer a five-year maximum contract projected at $240.7 million, per Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. Other teams are capped at $178.5 million over four years, while Los Angeles could reach $185.9 million over the same period — the highest total available.
Reaves ‘Auditioning for No. 1 Spot’
A separate Western Conference executive echoed that sentiment, telling ESPN that Reaves’ expanded role proves he can lead an offense.
“He’s always been a very good player, but now he’s in a role where he can have the ball and generate a lot of offense,” the West executive said. “Someone is going to pay him a lot of money next summer.” Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett suggested that Reaves’ breakout could eventually inspire him to seek a leading role elsewhere.
“Shidddd… Idk, Austin Reaves might be auditioning for a number 1 spot somewhere in his mind. Check the history without Luka and Bron. Let’s see,” Garnett posted on X.
Salary-Cap Pressure Mounts for Lakers
The Lakers’ financial picture complicates matters. They already owe Dončić $165 million over three years, and James — earning $52.6 million this season — will also hit free agency next summer. If Reaves signs for roughly $40–45 million annually, the Lakers would lose their cap space for another maximum slot, meaning James would need to take a significant pay cut to remain in Los Angeles.
According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, at least 10 teams are projected to have substantial cap room next offseason, ensuring Reaves will draw wide interest if he reaches the open market.
Lakers Face Tough Decision
For Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick, the question is whether to commit to a long-term Dončić-Reaves core or retain flexibility for another superstar pursuit. “I don’t think he’s going to quite keep up this pace because LeBron will take away touches,” said the executive, who projected the $180 million deal for Reaves. “But he is good, and the Lakers intend to keep him — and he intends to stay — so my guess is it gets done.”
The executive added that a five-year deal with a slightly smaller annual salary but more total dollars could be a “good compromise” if both sides want long-term security.
Reaves, undrafted in 2021, is averaging 34.2 points, 10.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 52.5% from the field. His rise from role player to centerpiece has made him indispensable — and potentially expensive. Whether Los Angeles pays up or restructures around its stars, the decision will define the franchise’s future. Because if Reaves’ early season is any indication, the Lakers’ next big contract dilemma has already arrived.
