Lakers Have $61.9M Contract Advantage for Austin Reaves' Opt-Out Decision

Los Angeles will have a crucial decision to make on the rising star's future.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:09pm

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has a $14.9 million option for the 2026-27 season, but he is expected to opt out and become a free agent. The Lakers can offer Reaves a five-year, $239.3 million contract, while other teams can only offer a four-year, $177.4 million deal, giving the Lakers a $61.9 million advantage. This decision will be complicated by the potential departure of LeBron James in free agency and Reaves' recent injury.

Why it matters

Retaining Reaves is crucial for the Lakers as they look to rebuild around him if LeBron James leaves in free agency. The $61.9 million contract advantage gives the Lakers the best chance to keep the rising star, but they must weigh the long-term financial commitment against other roster needs.

The details

Reaves' contract includes a $14.9 million option for the 2026-27 season, which he is expected to decline to become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers can offer Reaves a five-year, $239.3 million contract, while other teams can only offer a four-year, $177.4 million deal. This $61.9 million difference in total value, or about $3.5 million per year, gives the Lakers a significant financial advantage in re-signing Reaves.

  • Reaves' contract option for 2026-27 is worth $14.9 million.
  • Reaves is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season.

The players

Austin Reaves

A rising star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season.

LeBron James

The veteran superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers who may depart the team in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It'd likely be hard for Reaves to justify passing up that much money to go somewhere else unless the Lakers weren't actually offering that much, or if Reaves somehow felt the rest of his existence would be so much nicer in a new place.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

The Lakers will need to decide if they are willing to offer Reaves the maximum contract of $239.3 million over five years, and Reaves will need to weigh that offer against potential opportunities with other teams.

The takeaway

The Lakers' $61.9 million contract advantage for Austin Reaves gives them the best chance to retain the rising star, but they must balance that financial commitment with other roster needs, especially if LeBron James departs in free agency.