Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Insider Reveals Likely Cost of Austin Reaves Contract Extension, Team He Wants to Play For

The Los Angeles Lakers offseason centered around creating long-term financial flexibility to build a better roster around Luka Doncic in the years to come.

While theres been minimal NBA rumors about a long-term target to pair with Luka Doncic, theres been plenty of buzz regarding Austin Reaves future.

Lakers reporter Jovan Buha recently shared on Spectrum Sportsnet Live that NBA executives expect Reaves to land a multi-year deal worth at least $30 million per season with the Lakers or someone else.

However, he noted that Reaves wants to remain in Los Angeles and that is the expectation.

People around the league are penciling him in to make $30+ million this summer whether its with the Lakers or someone else.

I expect it to be with the Lakers, I expect him to re-sign on a multiyear deal...He wants to be a Laker, he wants to be a Laker for life.

Jovan Buha on the cost of an Austin Reaves contract extension and his future with the Lakers Austin Reaves contract ( Spotrac ): $13.937 million salary for 2025-26, $14.898 million player option in 2026 Its been previously reported that late in the 2021 NBA Draft, Reaves informed teams he didnt want to be selected.

Thats because the 6-foot-5 guard wanted to sign with Los Angeles, believing they were the right franchise for his development and long-term goals.

The gamble has paid off.

Reaves, who turned 27 years old in May, set career highs in scoring (20.2 PPG), assists (5.8 APG), steals (1.1 SPG), and three-pointers made (2.7 3PM per game) as a starter last season.

Read More: Best NBA Players of All Time, including Lakers Legends Austin Reaves stats (2024-25): 20.2 PPGG, 4.5 RPG< 5.8 APG< 1.1 SPG< 46% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 2.7 3PM per game, .144 WS/48 Reaves name popped up in NBA trade rumors this summer, with teams eyeing the guard as a target when the Lakers were pursuing a starting center.

However, it quickly became evident that Los Angeles wouldnt move him unless a star-caliber player was available.

Currently, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro ranks 13th among shooting guards at his $30 million AAV, just behind Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs ($30.1 million AAV).

Given the rising NBA salary cap, its possible Reaves could push for a $32 million AAV, which would tie C.J.

McCollum and Jordan Poole.

The Lakers plan, as of now, seems to be building a team around Doncic and Reaves.

While that would result in one of the NBAs worst defensive backcourts, the scoring output could help in the Western Conference.

Even if Reaves signs a multiyear extension for $30-plus million annually, the Lakers would still have the financial flexibility to sign a second player to a max contract, making Reaves the No.

3 option on a perennial playoff contender..

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