Lakers Prioritize $241M Austin Reaves Deal Over 22-Time All-Star

Reaves' potential contract extension takes precedence over LeBron James' future in LA

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:26am

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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly focused on re-signing 27-year-old guard Austin Reaves to a lucrative five-year, $241 million contract extension, even as 41-year-old superstar LeBron James is set to hit free agency as a 22-time All-Star. The Lakers see Reaves as a more valuable long-term asset than the aging James, who has seen a slight decline in productivity playing alongside league-leading scorer Luka Dončić.

Why it matters

This move highlights the Lakers' desire to build around younger talent like Reaves rather than rely solely on the aging James. It also raises questions about James' future in LA, as the team appears ready to move on from the legendary player in favor of securing their next cornerstone.

The details

Reaves, who is entering his 5th NBA season, has emerged as a key contributor for the Lakers, averaging 29.3 points and 6.8 assists through the first 19 games of the 2026 campaign. His strong play has set him up for a massive payday, with the Lakers able to offer him a five-year, $241 million contract extension. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old James is also set to hit free agency, though his productivity has declined slightly as more of an off-ball threat next to Dončić.

  • Reaves is entering his 5th NBA season in 2026.
  • James is set to hit free agency in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Austin Reaves

A 27-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 29.3 points and 6.8 assists through the first 19 games of the 2026 season.

LeBron James

A 41-year-old superstar and 22-time NBA All-Star who is set to hit free agency in the 2026 offseason, though his productivity has declined slightly as more of an off-ball threat next to Luka Dončić.

Luka Dončić

The league's leading scorer, averaging 32.8 points and 61.3% true shooting in the 2026 season.

Rob Pelinka

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has to make some tough decisions this offseason regarding the futures of Reaves and James.

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What they’re saying

“Austin Reaves is the Los Angeles Lakers' most important free agent, which means something considering LeBron James is also on the current roster.”

— Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report Writer

“Reaves can ink a new deal with the Lakers for up to five years and $241 million. Other teams will be capped at four years and $179 million.”

— Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report Writer

“Odds are, Reaves will be back with the Lakers, even if the thought of paying max-level cash to an offense-first guard who'll always be a second option next to Dončić is a little concerning.”

— Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Lakers will need to finalize their contract extension with Reaves before the start of free agency in the 2026 offseason.

The takeaway

The Lakers' decision to prioritize re-signing the 27-year-old Reaves over retaining the 41-year-old James signals a shift in the team's long-term strategy, as they look to build around younger talent that can complement superstar Luka Dončić rather than rely on the aging James.