During a nail-biting moment in Game 4 of their second-round playoff matchup against the Thunder, the Lakers were down by three, with just 8.3 seconds on the clock. Austin Reeves made a dash to the three-point line, received an inbounds pass, and launched an 8-foot jumper.
The shot rimmed out, sealing the fate of the Lakers’ season.
This miss brought about a lot of uncertainty for the team. Questions loomed: Would LeBron James come back for his 24th season? And would both James and Reeves, who are about to become unrestricted free agents, still wear Lakers jerseys next year?
But in that moment, none of that seemed to matter. James had something to convey to Reeves.
“That’s a hell of a shot,” James said. “Keep your head up.”
Since joining the Lakers as an undrafted player on a two-way contract, Reeves has earned James’ respect. His high basketball IQ, receptiveness to criticism, and strong work ethic have stood out.
Now, five years later, Reeves is on the brink of a major contract.
It’s likely he’ll opt out of his $14.9 million player option for next season. He could sign a five-year extension worth up to $241 million with the Lakers, or a four-year, $178.5 million extension with a different team.
The Lakers are eager to retain Reeves, and he himself wants to stay in Los Angeles. He might demand around $40 million a year—a staggering figure for someone who went undrafted in 2021.
And honestly? He deserves it.
Reeves is becoming a star. Lakers fans adore him, and even Luka Doncic wants him to remain on the team.
This season, he averaged a career-high 23.3 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. He became the Lakers’ second offensive option behind James, widely considered one of the greatest players ever. His reliability in clutch moments has been impressive.
While James dealt with sciatica, Reeves stepped up, notching back-to-back performances of 51 and 41 points. In March, he even missed a free throw on purpose, grabbed his own rebound, and hit a jumper to force overtime against the Nuggets.
However, questions about his playoff performance lingered after a couple of lackluster games. Reaves had an oblique injury which sidelined him for a time, yet he dedicated long hours to rehabilitation, leaving home at 7:30 a.m. and returning at 7:30 p.m.
He eventually made his postseason debut in Game 5 against the Rockets, shaking off some rust but contributing to the win.
But come Game 1 versus the Thunder, the pressure was on him, especially with Doncic injured. He ended up scoring just eight points on a rough 3-for-16 shooting display, missing all five three-point attempts.
Criticism emerged. Maybe he wasn’t worth the potential money after all; maybe he wasn’t built for the bigger stage.
But Reeves quickly rebuffed that narrative in Game 2, scoring a playoff career-high of 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting. In Game 4, he posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
“Watching AR grow these last five years has been incredible,” James said after the Lakers were eliminated. “He works hard, loves the game, and is eager to improve. He’s always been open to constructive criticism, and I knew that from the start.”
Over the years, Reeves has transitioned from a long shot to one of the franchise’s key players.
He’s humble yet confident, wanting to be a long-term contributor to the Lakers.
When asked about his future post-Game 4, he played it down a bit. “I don’t think about it much,” he said, but when the subject of continuing alongside James came up, he was candid. “That would mean the world to me,” he responded.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka feels optimistic about an agreement. “He began his journey here as a Laker and has expressed a desire to keep it going,” Pelinka said. “We’re aligned on that. We hope his adventures continue in purple and gold.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers will focus on building a strong team around Doncic.
Reeves made Doncic feel at home after he joined the Lakers in February 2025. Their off-court camaraderie translates into solid on-court chemistry, often seen in their playful banter and seamless teamwork.
What’s clear is that Reeves has transformed from a hidden gem to a fan-favorite, from the basement of the organization to its pinnacle.
James has found one of his most dependable teammates.
Doncic has found a solid partner.
Fans have begun to chant his name for MVP titles.
Reeves has secured a place among the Lakers’ elite. He is truly worthy of every dollar coming his way.
