While some Lakers fans may not be entirely satisfied with the offseason Los Angeles just had, it's important to remember that they have taken care of the most important order of business: re-signing Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar will be in LA for the foreseeable future, making everything a little easier for GM Rob Pelinka. Next up are contract extension negotiations with Austin Reaves.
Reaves is entering the final year of his contract and is currently extension-eligible. Due to his team-friendly salary, however, the Lakers can only offer him a maximum of a four-year, $89.2 million contract. The 27-year-old combo guard has reportedly already turned down that deal, understandably thinking that he could get a better offer as an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
It looks like he will get his wish next summer. NBA insiders on ESPN reported on Wednesday that league executives expect Reaves to get over $30 million per year in his next contract.
Austin Reaves Expected to Get Over $30 Million per Year in Next Deal
The same report adds that the widespread consensus is that Reaves will return to the Lakers. This sets up the Lakers' backcourt of the future as Doncic and Reaves, as the duo will be making over $85 million per year on average if the reporting is accurate.
Reaves has undoubtedly earned this contract with his production in the NBA. He has improved every season and turned himself into a high-level shot creator who can take and make shots from all over the court. He has also become a much better passer and playmaker in the process.
Yet, the decision to give him a lucrative, long-term deal carries a certain risk. The Doncic-Reaves backcourt is defensively flammable, and both players need the ball in their hands to be effective. Since they are both smart players who can shoot, they could make things work offensively, but whether that backcourt fit is the optimal one for the Lakers is worth discussing.
The Lakers need more athleticism, size, and shooting around Doncic. Reaves doesn't necessarily provide enough of these abilities to get paid like a star. His skill set is likely better optimized elsewhere, but the Lakers likely don't see it this way.
How the 2025-26 season goes can change the team's and Reaves' perspective in the negotiations, so this will be a fascinating storyline to watch over the next year.