The Los Angeles Lakers continue making headlines after their recent ownership developments, but now attention turns to one of their rising stars.
Austin Reaves has reached a crossroads that could define his financial future with the franchise.
The sharpshooting guard recently made a decision that signals confidence in his upward trajectory and market value.
“Austin Reaves has declined a max contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers that would have paid him $89.2 million over four seasons, per Dan Woike,” NBA Central shared on X.
Austin Reaves has declined a max contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers that would have paid him $89.2 million over four seasons, per @DanWoikeSports
(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/JHuA61zOz7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 26, 2025
Reaves turned down the four-year extension worth $89.2 million, choosing instead to bet on himself for potentially greater rewards down the line.
The decision reflects strategic thinking rather than any desire to leave Los Angeles.
His current contract situation provides the flexibility to make this calculated gamble. Reaves has one guaranteed season remaining, plus a player option for 2026-27.
That structure allows him to decline the option and enter unrestricted free agency, where his market value could command significantly more money.
The timing makes sense given his recent performance surge. Reaves just completed his best professional season, posting career highs across multiple categories.
He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 made three-pointers per game while shooting 46% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.
Those numbers represent consistent growth throughout his four NBA seasons, with scoring and playmaking improving each year.
His 20-point, five-assist average placed him among just 10 players in Lakers franchise history to reach those benchmarks in a single season.
The progression suggests Reaves believes his best basketball lies ahead, making the extension gamble a reasonable risk for potentially greater financial reward.
NEXT: Lakers Are Favorites To Land Heat Star In Potential Trade
