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Austin Reaves reacts during a Los Angeles Lakers game as the team faces a major offseason decision surrounding his free agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching a pivotal offseason decision surrounding Austin Reaves, and new insight suggests the rising guard’s priorities — along with market dynamics — could shape how negotiations unfold.
Speaking on his Buha’s Block livestream, Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha outlined what he believes will drive Reaves’ next contract.
“I think based on the season he just had and some of the injuries he’s dealt with later in seasons, he’s going to prioritize getting a four- to five-year deal,” Buha said. “He’ll push for a longer deal.”
Austin Reaves Contract Outlook Comes Into Focus
Reaves is coming off a career-best season that significantly boosted his value across the league.
The 27-year-old guard averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 51 games, emerging as one of the Lakers’ primary offensive engines alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
His growth as both a scorer and playmaker has elevated him into a new contract tier — one that could command near-max money in free agency.
“I believe his floor is going to be about $35 million starting out,” Buha said. “If you add in the typical 8% annual raise, that would equate to roughly a five-year, $210 million deal.”
Injury Could Influence Free Agency Priorities
Reaves’ season, however, was not without setbacks.
He is currently sidelined with an oblique injury that is expected to keep him out for four to six weeks, likely extending into the early part of the postseason.
That context adds weight to Buha’s belief that Reaves will prioritize long-term security, as locking in a four- or five-year deal would provide both financial stability and protection moving forward.
Lakers, Reaves Could Face Contract Tension
While Reaves’ camp may push for a deal in the mid-to-high $30 million range — or even closer to $40 million annually — the Lakers could take a more measured approach depending on the market.
“At the same time, the Lakers could push for less, just based on the market now and the cap space teams that are out there,” Buha said.
That dynamic creates a potential negotiation gap, particularly as Los Angeles balances long-term flexibility with its current championship window.
Market for Reaves May Be Limited
The broader free agency landscape could ultimately play a decisive role.
According to salary cap expert Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the market for Reaves may not be as expansive as his production suggests.
“The Lakers’ negotiating leverage with Reaves will depend on the market, which projects to have few potential suitors,” Pincus wrote. “His leverage depends on finding just one team willing to drive up his price.”
Based on a projected $165 million salary cap for the 2026-27 season, Pincus identified the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets as the two teams most likely to have the financial flexibility to pursue a player in Reaves’ range.
Chicago is projected to have approximately $63 million in cap space, while Brooklyn could have around $44.8 million available.
However, both teams are in different stages of retooling, which could factor into Reaves’ decision if long-term competitiveness becomes a priority alongside contract value.
Free Agency Decision May Go Beyond Money
That raises a key question heading into the offseason: what matters most to Reaves?
“Does he want to go to a Chicago or a Brooklyn and be in a rebuilding situation and get his money, but not be close to even sniffing the playoffs?” Buha said.
That dilemma highlights the balance between maximizing earnings and staying in a competitive environment — something the Lakers can offer with their current core.
Lakers Enter Critical Offseason Window
Reaves’ emergence has made him one of the Lakers’ most valuable pieces, particularly during stretches when injuries sidelined key players.
His ability to take on a larger role and deliver consistent production has strengthened his case for a significant long-term investment.
Buha emphasized that $35 million annually appears to be a realistic baseline — not a ceiling.
“I think if it’s going to fluctuate, it’s going up,” Buha said. “I would be very surprised if it’s anything under that.”
With championship aspirations tied to maximizing their roster, the Lakers now face a defining decision.
Whether they meet Reaves’ expected price — and align with his priority for long-term security — could determine if one of their most important building blocks remains in Los Angeles for years to come.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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