This offseason, the Lakers face a critical decision: how much to offer Austin Reeves from a financial perspective.
It’s not just about how the team will reorganize internally.
There’s uncertainty around LeBron James’ return for his 24th NBA season, or whether he’ll even remain with the Lakers, which could ripple through the entire league.
Reports indicate that Reeves is likely to decline his $14.9 million player option, attempting to secure a contract that could be worth up to $239 million over five years, averaging $47.8 million annually. He’s not looking to take a discount for staying with the Lakers.
If the Lakers aim to avoid hefty financial commitments, they need to convince Reeves of the importance of building a championship-caliber roster with him and Luka Doncic.
Other teams could offer a maximum of $178 million over four years, with an average salary of $44.5 million, which is lower than what the Lakers might have to provide.
The Lakers want Reeves back, and it makes sense, given his status as an All-Star and borderline All-NBA player.
Equally, Reeves wishes to remain with the only NBA team he’s known thus far.
Yet, there seems to be a contrast; the Lakers wish to minimize their offer to maintain financial flexibility, while Reeves’ agents will undoubtedly push for what could be the largest contract of his career, given he’s in his prime.
If Reeves—along with his agent—is firm on a maximum contract, the Lakers should be ready to meet that demand.
A $239 million contract might seem excessive for someone who hasn’t been selected for an All-Star or All-NBA team. However, it falls in line with the going rate for a player of his caliber in today’s NBA.
Reeves’ maximum salary for the 2026-2027 season would be around $41.2 million, positioning him among the highest earners in the league.
This salary aligns with players like Jaylen Williams of the Thunder and Paolo Banchero of the Magic, while slightly above others like Michael Porter Jr. and below Darius Garland.
While Reeves doesn’t outshine all these players, he’s undoubtedly better than some.
His rank in estimated plus-minus places him at 30th for the 2025-26 season, and he was one of 20 players to tally at least 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds that season.
Before injuries disrupted his season, Reeves was averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds.
Then there’s the dynamic with Doncic—Reeves has shown to be a great fit next to him. The Lakers recorded a stellar nine-point differential per 100 possessions when the duo played together in 2025-26, showing improvement from the previous season. Historically, Doncic has thrived with other skilled perimeter creators, suggesting that pairing him with Reeves could work effectively.
Of course, Reeves isn’t without flaws. The 2025-26 season saw him playing only 51 games, hampered by injuries, so durability will be a concern. Top players often get judged by their playoff performance, and unfortunately for Reeves, his shooting has dipped in the postseason the last three years.
Nonetheless, the Lakers can’t afford to let a talent like Reeves slip away, especially with Doncic performing at a high level and eager to win now. Losing Reeves would be a significant blow at this stage.
If Reeves and his agent choose to accept an offer below the maximum, it could be a blessing for the team, especially considering Reeves has been underpaid in prior seasons.
Yet, a substantial increase in his salary could complicate the Lakers’ efforts to build a championship team around him and Doncic. This is the reality faced by franchises with standout players.
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka expressed optimism after the season, stating, “Reaves started his journey here as a Laker, and he has made it clear he wants to continue here too. We feel the same way.” He added that while there are rules and timelines, both sides seem eager to reach a favorable agreement for Reeves to continue his career in Los Angeles.
If the Lakers genuinely share Pelinka’s sentiment, they’ll need to meet Reeves’ salary demands.
