Austin Reeves has proven himself a potential All-Star, but is he with the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers season ended prematurely as they lost the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It marked the end of a complicated season. It was filled with the ups and downs of a 17-time NBA champion.
One of the uncontroversial highlights of the season was the rise of Austin Reeves. The undrafted security guards have always been solid, but this year Reeves made a leap and became an excellent third option.
But his future with the Lakers is unsafe as he has made a big decision to make a big decision this summer. Rob Perinka and his front office have to pull out negotiations that they barely expect.
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In the Los Angeles Lakers offseason guide, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reminded fans that this is the last summer Austin Reeves can sign the extension.
Reaves will be a free agent in 2026 and the Lakers will want him to avoid testing free agents. But the best they can offer him may not be enough.
“Because of his team-friendly salary, the maximum extension the Lakers can offer is four years, $89.2 million.”
“The first year salary of $19.9 million is 140% of the average player salary, the maximum allowed by the CBA.”
“When Reaves bypasses the extension and becomes a free agent, the Lakers and teams with cap space will be allowed to sign contracts worth up to 25% of their pay cap in the next offseason. His first year of the contract will be $42.5 million.”
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Reaves is unlikely to make yet another team friendly deal after spending the year he had, so what options do the Lakers have at the table?
First, they were able to agree to the deal to resign Reeve as a free agent in principle. However, this will depend on their efforts with Luka Donsic.
Doncic, like Reaves, is a free agent in 2026, and the Lakers will prioritize the long-term future over Reaves in any situation.
Alternatively, the Lakers will use the contract to add a third superstar to the roster, especially if Reaves refuses to sign an extension. But there are some who, like Stephen A. Smith, are against the idea.
Keep an eye on Austin Reeves this summer, as his intention could be to capitalize on his success on a big payday.