The Los Angeles Lakers have a big decision to make this offseason, either resign Austin Reaves to a massive contract, or let him walk. Reportedly, the Lakers are not worried about losing Austin Reaves in the 2026 free agency class, since they are prepared to offer him a 5-year, $240 Million contract, approximately $48 Million per Year.
This would not only make Reaves one of the highest paid NBA players in the league, but it would make it the largest contract in franchise history. Los Angeles view Reaves as a core piece in their roster next to Luka Doncic, but is Reaves truly worth a max level contract?
Breaking Down the Reaves Contract Debate
Austin has turned into a star this season, averaging a career high 23.7 Points, also contributing 4.8 Rebounds, 5.5 Assists and 1.1 Steals a game, proving his elite production for the 3rd seed Lakers. He shoots 50% from the field, while hitting 38% from 3, while making 87% from the stripe, a near 50/40/90 season deserves to be paid, especially as a secondary creator, scorer and leader behind Luka.
Fit Next to Luka Doncic
His off-ball shooting directly complements Luka’s ball dominance offense, and he can run as a secondary pick and roll creator. Reaves has a extremely high level of decision making and basketball IQ for his age. But his defensive hustle and versatility is what truly makes him the ideal fit behind the heliocentric superstar.
The Biggest Problem: Injury Concerns
AR has 1 true negative, his injury history. From 2024-2026, he has suffered from a series of reoccurring calf strains, including a Grade 2 calf strain during Christmas season. He also has long term concerns due to his lower body health, suffering from previous ankle, hamstring and groin issues. Will Reaves stay healthy enough to even justify max money through to his early 30’s?
Is $48M Actually Market Value?
The NBA salary cap is rising in the last 25 Years, with a 313% increase since the 1999-2000 season, mostly due to the fact that the league is generating more revenue then ever before with new Media deals and sponsors willing to pay millions to get advertised. $48 Million would place him Top-15 in the NBA this season, making more then other high-scoring guards such as LaVine, Young, Mitchell and Cunningham.
Austin Reaves has gone from a undrafted role player to a near All-Star (Snub in my opinion) in less then half a decade, and his fit and chemistry with Luka Doncic makes him nearly indispensable, but durability and long term ceiling will determine if the deal ages well. If he continues to produce at this level, the Lakers might have locked up their post-LeBron core.
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