The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be a defining moment for the franchise, with a potent mix of star power, high stakes, and emerging talent. With 5-time All-NBA First Team selection Luka Dončić and 21-time All-Star LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers are poised to chase their 18th championship. However, it’s the rise of 27-year-old Austin Reaves that’s sparking excitement and speculation about the team’s future. As LeBron James battles a sciatica diagnosis that has sidelined him early in the season, Reaves is seizing the spotlight, proving he could be the cornerstone the Lakers build around in the post-LeBron era.
A Golden Opportunity for Reaves
Reaves, the crafty 6-foot-5 shooting guard known for his offensive initiation and playmaking prowess, is entering a pivotal season. With James temporarily out, Reaves is stepping into a larger role as the second option behind Dončić. This opportunity couldn’t come at a better time, as Reaves is set to hit unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026 after declining his $14.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, Reaves, who will earn $13.9 million this season, is unlikely to command the maximum offer the Lakers could extend—potentially a five-year, $240 million deal. However, his performance in the 2025-26 season could push his market value to an annual salary of $30 million to $40 million. Hughes notes, “A mere repeat of last season’s numbers should earn Reaves at least $30 million per season. Anything more than that, and he could push up toward $40 million annually.”
Building on a Breakout Year
Reaves is coming off a career-best 2024-25 season, where he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists with an impressive 61.6% true shooting percentage. These numbers showcased his ability to efficiently score and facilitate, making him a critical piece of the Lakers’ offensive puzzle. With James sidelined, Reaves has a chance to elevate his game further, potentially reaching All-Star or even All-NBA status. Such a leap would not only solidify his role as a cornerstone for the Lakers but also secure a massive payday in free agency.
Reaves wasted no time making his case in the Lakers’ season-opener against the Golden State Warriors. Despite the team’s 119-109 loss, Reaves delivered a standout performance, dropping 26 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing five rebounds in 36 minutes. This explosive start signals that Reaves is ready to capitalize on his expanded role and prove his worth to the Lakers and the league.
The Future is Terrifyingly Bright
While a $240 million contract may be a long shot, Reaves’ trajectory suggests that a $40 million annual salary is well within reach. His ability to thrive alongside Dončić and step up in James’ absence makes him a vital piece of the Lakers’ championship aspirations. At just 27, Reaves combines youth, skill, and versatility, positioning him as a potential face of the franchise as James, now 41, navigates the later stages of his career.
The chaos of injuries and the pressure of a championship chase only amplify the stakes for Reaves. His ability to handle the spotlight this season will determine whether he cements himself as the Lakers’ next cornerstone. Forget the injuries—the future is now, and Austin Reaves is ready to make it terrifyingly bright for Lakers fans and daunting for opponents.