The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer Austin Reaves a five-year, $240 million contract this offseason, Lakers Daily said, after Reaves declines his player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
Austin Reaves’ Contract Outlook And Recent Form
Reaves will decline his player option for next season to hit unrestricted free agency, Lakers Daily wrote. The franchise intends to make a five-year, $240 million offer once unrestricted free agency begins this offseason.
Stat lines cited in coverage show Reaves has career averages of 15. 6 points, 3. 9 rebounds and 4. 4 assists per game. This season he is averaging 23. 7 points, 4. 8 rebounds and 5. 5 assists while shooting 49. 5 percent from the field, 37. 5 percent from three-point range and 87. 3 percent from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old undrafted guard is an Arkansas native who played at Wichita State and Oklahoma.
Reaves previously declined an extension offer from the franchise last summer. In November, he told Dave McMenamin of that he was not focused on free agency and reiterated his desire to finish his career with the team: “I want to be in L. A. I love it, ” he said. He added that turning down the prior extension did not mean he was seeking a “f—ing gigantic number that don’t make sense. “
Why The Lakers Say They Have ‘No Fear’
Coverage states the Lakers have “no fear” of losing Reaves on the open market, in part because the player has expressed a wish to remain with the franchise. The organization figures the size of the proposed five-year offer would make it difficult for other teams to outbid Los Angeles.
Reaves’ strong numbers this season and his connection with teammates are presented as reasons the franchise prioritizes keeping him. He is described as having close relationships with Luka Doncic and JJ Redick, and as being close with LeBron James.
Roster Implications: LeBron, Luka And A Potential Giannis Push
The coverage ties the proposed Reaves deal to broader roster planning. LeBron James will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time since 2018, and he is expected to either re-sign with Los Angeles or sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers if he does not retire. Multiple members of the Lakers are said to be ready for the James era to end after this season.
Once a new deal for Reaves is finalized, the Lakers plan to aggressively pursue a trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lakers Daily reported. The team could offer up to three first-round picks in an effort to acquire him.
Keeping Reaves at a high salary is framed as a foundational move for Los Angeles even as the front office considers major roster changes aimed at building around their recently acquired cornerstone and competing immediately.
Next steps on the timeline will be tied to the opening of unrestricted free agency and the parties’ ability to finalize a contract before the Lakers focus on aggressive trade options this summer.
