Lakers Secure Austin Reaves with $241M Contract Extension

The rising star guard will remain in LA for the long term.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, their form fractured and abstracted into overlapping planes of vivid blue, orange, and silver hues.The Lakers' future rests on retaining their rising star Austin Reaves, whose dynamic two-way play could anchor the franchise for years to come.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly agreed to a five-year, $241 million contract extension with guard Austin Reaves, locking down a key piece of their post-LeBron James future. Reaves, who has emerged as a breakout talent this season, was set to hit free agency but will now remain with the Lakers long-term.

Why it matters

Retaining Reaves is a crucial move for the Lakers as they transition into the next era of the franchise without LeBron James. Reaves has proven to be an excellent complement to young star Luka Doncic, and keeping the two together could form the foundation of a new Lakers contender.

The details

According to reports, Reaves will decline his $14.9 million player option for next season and instead sign a five-year, $241 million max contract to stay with the Lakers. This deal will keep the 24-year-old in Los Angeles through the 2027-28 season.

  • Reaves currently has a player option for the 2023-24 season worth $14.9 million.
  • Reaves is expected to decline that option and become a free agent this offseason.
  • The Lakers are predicted to re-sign Reaves to a new five-year, $241 million contract.

The players

Austin Reaves

A 24-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has emerged as a breakout star this season, averaging 23.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Luka Doncic

The young superstar who has become the new face of the Lakers franchise after the departure of LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“There aren't many free agents who have a shot at back-burnering LeBron James. When it comes to the Lakers, though, you'd have to imagine their first priority is not a short-term commitment with the King but rather a long-term agreement with their breakout guard...The Lakers aren't letting go of a shooting star like this. Once he declines his $14.9 million player option, expect him to quickly circle back to L.A. on a max deal.”

— Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Lakers will now focus on building a contender around Reaves and Doncic, with the goal of returning to championship contention in the post-LeBron era.

The takeaway

Locking up Reaves on a long-term max deal is a clear sign the Lakers are committed to building around their young core and moving forward in the next phase of the franchise. Keeping Reaves and Doncic together could form the foundation of a new Lakers dynasty.