Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves declined the four-year, $89.2 million contract extension during the offseason. Reaves is in the third year of his four-year, $53.8 million deal with the organization. He could enter free agency after the 2025-26 NBA season if he doesn’t exercise his $14.8 million player option. The 6-foot-5 guard spoke to reporters on Monday’s Media Day, explaining his side of the contract negotiations.
Reaves has improved well as an undrafted player. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points on 46% shooting from the field. It’s the first time in his career that he averaged 20 points. The 27-year-old star has proven that he can play well alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
This gives him leverage to negotiate a bigger deal the next time the Lakers are open to giving him an extension. While the front office gave an offer over the summer, Reaves believes he deserves more.
During his talk with The Athletic’s Dan Woike on Monday, Austin Reaves gave his opinion on his looming contract year.
“Like, it was, ‘Y’all gave me an opportunity. Rob, you gave me an opportunity. Jeanie, you’ve treated my family amazing. Everything we’ve wanted, needed since we’ve been here, you’ve taken care of. And we appreciate y’all of that.’ But we didn’t think that the number was the right number,” Reaves said. “And that’s not saying that we’re gonna go search for a number that’s out of the world.”
According to Woike, Reaves could get a contract in the range of $35-$40 million per season. However, the Lakers might not have enough cap space to offer him such a deal.
“The Athletic spoke with team and league sources who expect Reaves to earn more than $35 million a year on his next deal, with sources from two teams (neither being the Lakers) speculating that he could command more than $40 million a year,” Woike wrote.
Austin Reaves is committed to the Lakers and improving his game
Austin Reaves reiterated his desire to stay with the Lakers. During his talk with Woike, Reaves said that he wants to stay in LA and for the front office to realize the work that he’s put in. In an attempt to establish himself, the shooting guard began his career as a role player. Now, he’s one of the most important players on the roster.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick also recognized the effort that Reaves has made to improve his game. He spent the entire summer working out at the gym to improve as a player. Redick had high praise for the youngster ahead of the new season.
“It’s been a constant comment from our staff. He’s been the best. Every day in the gym, he’s been the best player in the gym,” the head coach said.
Reaves is expected to have a great season ahead of him, as he looks to prove his worth to the organization.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
