Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves declined a four-year, $89.2 million contract extension this past summer, a decision that continues to shape his narrative heading into the 2025-26 season. By turning down the offer, Reaves acknowledged the possibility of being traded, telling The Athletic, “I thought that there was a good chance for, like, a week after I declined the extension that there was a possibility I’d get traded. I mean, it’s still a possibility.”
The undrafted guard’s honesty reflects the business realities of the NBA, where talent and financial strategy often collide. For the Lakers, Reaves remains an essential piece of their roster, but the lack of a contract extension has fueled speculation throughout training camp.
From Undrafted to Team Core
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Reaves’ rise has been one of the Lakers’ most compelling stories. From going undrafted to becoming a trusted starter alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Reaves has proven his scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 46% from the field and 37.7% from three. He emerged as the Lakers’ third-leading scorer behind LeBron and Luka Dončić, solidifying his status as a critical contributor.
Despite his production, the contract snub leaves his future in Los Angeles uncertain. Team and league sources told The Athletic that Reaves could earn more than $35 million per year on his next deal, with some speculation he could command over $40 million, likely attracting interest from multiple teams if he enters unrestricted free agency.
Focus Shifts Back to Basketball
As the Lakers tip off their 2025-26 season against the Phoenix Suns on October 3, the spotlight remains on Reaves’ development and potential breakout. Speaking candidly about his ambitions, Reaves said, “I feel like I could be an All-Star. But all of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka and LeBron. And I wanna win. …If that’s the map for me to be an All-Star, I don’t care about that. I wanna win.”
Training camp offers an opportunity for Reaves to reaffirm his value while proving he can be a cornerstone for a championship-caliber team. At 27, the Lakers guard is entering a pivotal season in which his performance could dictate not only his personal trajectory but also the team’s strategy moving forward.
The Question Looms
The central question for Los Angeles remains: will Austin Reaves remain a long-term fixture, or does declining the extension signal the first step toward a stunning exit? With the season just beginning, Lakers fans will watch closely as Reaves navigates the delicate balance between personal ambition and team success.