Austin Reaves will have to make $89.2 million decision this summer as Lakers could lose brilliant third option

Austin Reaves has proven himself to be a potential All-Star, but will he stay with the Lakers? The Los Angeles Lakers ‘ season ended prematurely as they lost in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves . It marked the end of what was a complicated season , one filled with ups and downs for the 17-time NBA champions. One of the undisputed highlights of the season was the rise of Austin Reaves .

The undrafted guard had always been solid, but this year, Reaves took a leap and became a brilliant third option . But his future with the Lakers is far from secure, as he has a big decision to make this summer. Rob Pelinka and his front office will have to pull off a negotiation that few expect them to.



Austin Reaves must decide his future In his offseason guide for the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reminded fans that this is the last summer that Austin Reaves can sign an extension. Reaves is a free agent in 2026, and the Lakers will want to keep him from testing free agency. But the best they can offer him might not be enough.

“Because of his team-friendly salary, the maximum extension the Lakers can offer is four years, $89.2 million.” “The first-year salary of $19.

9 million is 140% of the average player salary, the maximum allowed under the CBA.” “If Reaves bypasses the extension and becomes a free agent, the Lakers and teams with cap space would be allowed to sign him next offseason to a contract worth up to 25% of the salary cap. His first-year starting salary in that contract would be $42.

5 million.” What can the Lakers do to keep Reaves With Reaves’ unlikely to take yet another team-friendly deal after the year he has had, what options do the Lakers have on the table? Firstly, they could agree to a deal in principle to re-sign Reaves as a free agent. But this would also depend on the deal they work out with Luka Doncic.

Doncic, like Reaves, is a free agent in 2026, and the Lakers will prioritize his long-term future over Reaves in any situation. Or perhaps the Lakers will use his contract in a trade to add a third superstar to their roster, especially if Reaves refuses to sign an extension. However, some, like Stephen A.

Smith, are against that idea . Keep an eye on Austin Reaves this summer, as his intentions could be to capitalize on his success with a big payday. This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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