The Los Angeles Lakers have operated with the unbelievable advantage that has been Austin Reaves and his team-friendly contract for several seasons now. That bargain is coming to an end in the summer of 2026, and there should be no doubt that Reaves will get absolutely paid.
The Lakers guard is in the third year of his four-year, $53.8 million extension, set to earn $13.9 million in the upcoming 2025-26 season. There will be absolutely no reason for Reaves to offer the grace of picking up his $14.9 million player option for the following 2026-27 campaign.
With the talented offensive star largely outplaying the dollar value of his current deal, a chance to secure the bag in the middle of his prime would be more than worth taking.