Austin Reaves Poised for Max Contract After Historic Performance
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal offseason decision regarding Austin Reaves, who is on track to command a maximum contract after a dominant performance on Sunday that underscored his rapidly ascending star power. After being overlooked as an undrafted player in 2021, Reaves has quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the Lakers’ core, adn his recent play suggests a future salary befitting a top NBA talent.
The Lakers initially secured Reaves at a remarkable value, signing him to a contract averaging $13 million over the past three seasons. That bargain ends next summer, when he will decline his final year and enter unrestricted free agency. A previous attempt to secure Reaves with a contract extension failed due to his relatively low starting salary, creating the current pressure cooker scenario for the Lakers front office.
“How could thay afford not to?” one analyst commented, reflecting the sentiment growing around the league. Reaves’ 51-point performance against the Sacramento Kings – a career high and one of the most notable individual showings of the NBA season thus far – served as a stark reminder of his capabilities, even with stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined due to injury.
Reaves showcased a complete offensive arsenal, scoring from all three levels and forcing the Kings to foul repeatedly. he finished the game shooting 12-for-22 from the field, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, and an astonishing 21-for-22 from the free-throw line. Beyond scoring, his improved ball-handling and playmaking were on full display, evidenced by nine assists, including key passes to Deandre Ayton, who had his best game as a Laker with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Reaves’ impact extended beyond the stat sheet; the Lakers outscored opponents by 22 points during his 39 minutes on the court, and were outscored by 15 in the nine minutes he sat.
This performance solidified Reaves’ status as a legitimate star – a top-two option on a contending team, or even the primary offensive force on a less established roster. And players of that caliber, as the market dictates, are paid the maximum.
The Lakers, who have plans to utilize cap space next offseason to bolster their roster, must now prioritize re-signing Reaves. Failure to do so could open the door for another team to swoop in. A potential advantage for the Lakers is Reaves’ limited NBA experience; with only five years under his belt, he won’t qualify for the same maximum contract value recently awarded to Luka Doncic. Though, he is still projected to command 25% of the salary cap.
If reaves remains with the Lakers, his starting salary is projected to be around $41.3 million,escalating to $54.6 million by the 2030-31 season, totaling $240 million over five years. This figure represents a notable financial commitment, exceeding initial expectations for the Lakers’ management.
Though,the cost could be lower if Reaves pursues opportunities elsewhere. Should another team attempt to lure him with the promise of a leading role, or if the Lakers hesitate with a less-than-max offer, his contract could be structured differently. While the initial salary would remain at $41.3 million, the annual raises would be smaller (5% versus 8%), and the contract duration limited to four years, resulting in a total value of $177.9 million. Teams like the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, or Chicago Bulls, possessing ample cap space, could emerge as potential suitors.
Reaves will enter free agency with a relatively modest cap hold of around $21 million, providing the Lakers with an additional $20 million in spending flexibility before re-signing him. This window of opportunity may be crucial for the Lakers to fully upgrade their roster before Reaves’ salary demands increase and other key players, such as Deandre Ayton, seek new contracts.
Ultimately, Reaves’ future contract appears destined to reach the maximum. As one source succinctly put it: “$41.3 million, 25 percent of the cap. He is now on track to make the max. Book it.”
