Austin Reaves Set to Command $30+ Million Annually in Next Contract — Lakers Expected to Retain Rising Star
LOS ANGELES — Austin Reaves’ stock is skyrocketing.
According to a new report from ESPN, multiple NBA front office sources believe Reaves will command more than $30 million per year on his next contract — a significant leap for the undrafted guard who has rapidly ascended from role player to potential cornerstone in just a few short seasons.
> “I think he will get $30 [million] plus,” one executive told ESPN, reflecting a consensus among several league executives familiar with Reaves’ value.
At just 26, Reaves has emerged as one of the NBA’s most efficient and poised young guards. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds on 49.2% shooting from the field and 40.1% from deep, proving he can thrive both on and off the ball. His chemistry with All-Star Luka Dončić — who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade last season — has been seamless, making Reaves a perfect fit alongside the ball-dominant playmaker.
In fact, league insiders now view Reaves as the ideal long-term backcourt partner for Dončić — a role once held by Jalen Brunson and later Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Reaves’ unselfish play, shooting consistency, and tough defensive mindset have earned him the trust of the Lakers coaching staff and the admiration of fans across the league.
The Lakers are reportedly prepared to match or exceed any offer to ensure Reaves remains in Los Angeles. The organization sees him not just as a complementary piece, but as a foundational part of their retooled core around Dončić. With LeBron James expected to retire within the next 1-2 seasons and Anthony Davis’ long-term health still uncertain, the franchise appears fully committed to the Dončić–Reaves tandem.
Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million deal with the Lakers in 2023, which many analysts now consider a bargain. But with his production climbing and his role expanding, his next payday is expected to reflect his new status as one of the league’s premier two-way guards.
The new projected deal? Upwards of $120 million over four years, potentially even more depending on the Lakers’ salary cap flexibility and other roster moves.
Off the court, Reaves has become a fan favorite — known for his gritty underdog story, Southern charm, and clutch performances in big moments. From Arkansas farm boy to Lakers centerpiece, his rise is one of the NBA’s best modern success stories.
If the Lakers do lock him up at $30+ million per year, they won’t just be investing in his present talent — they’ll be betting on his future greatness.
And based on what he’s shown so far, it’s a bet they’ll be glad they made.
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