Austin Reaves Declines Lakers’ $89M Max Extension, Eyes Bigger Payday

The Los Angeles Lakers guard, Austin Reaves (27), has declined a four-year, $89.2 million maximum contract extension offer, according to multiple reports. Instead, he’s choosing to bet on himself by playing out the final two years of his current four-year, $54 million deal—signed in 2023—and entering unrestricted free agency next summer in hopes of securing an even more lucrative, longer-term contract.

Why Reaves is Walking Away from the “Max”

1. Contractual caps
   The “max” extension was based on his current salary, limiting the total to $89.2 million. However, as a free agent next summer, his market value could support a significantly bigger deal—potentially a five-year, $246.7 million contract with the Lakers or four years, $182.9 million elsewhere.
2. Career-best season boost
   After a breakout 2024–25 campaign—averaging 20.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, and 4.5 RPG, and making 200 three-pointers—Reaves is in prime position to command top-dollar on the open market.
3. Loyal to L.A.
   Despite declining the extension, Reaves has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles: “I want to be in L.A. … I love it there. I love the fans … Lakers is the best organization in basketball.”.

Lakers’ Perspective & Next Steps

• The Lakers regard Reaves as a core piece alongside LeBron James, and have no intention of trading him.
• Reaves will be an unrestricted free agent in summer 2026, allowing both him and the Lakers flexibility to negotiate a bigger deal.
• The Lakers recently sold a majority stake to Mark Walter, though Jeanie Buss remains governor, so long-term stability remains intact.

What This Means

• Reaves: Betting on another strong season to land a super-max style contract, likely exceeding the Lakers’ current extension ceiling.
• Lakers: Must manage their salary cap carefully this season, as Reaves’ impending free agency adds future uncertainty to roster planning.
• LeBron James: He faces a June 29 decision on his $52.6 million player option but is expected to opt in.

Bottom Line

• Short term: Reaves remains committed to L.A. and will play out his current contract.
• Long term: He’s positioning himself for a more lucrative deal next summer.
• For the Lakers: Retaining him is a priority, but salary cap implications ahead loom large.

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of cap space scenarios, what Reaves might command in free agency, or how this impacts team-building around LeBron.