Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has once again proven he’s not afraid to take risks when it comes to his career. During the team’s Media Day on Monday, Reaves addressed reports that he turned down a four-year, $89 million contract extension this offseason, opting instead to pursue a more lucrative deal when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026. His bold decision has sent shockwaves through the Lakers’ front office, signaling that Reaves is confident in his value and ready to bet on himself—again.
A History of Betting on Himself
Reaves’ confidence is nothing new. From his high school days to his rise in the NBA, the 27-year-old guard has consistently backed his abilities. “Since I’ve been in high school, college, and even the NBA, I’ve always bet on myself,” Reaves told Spectrum SportsNet. “I have extreme confidence in myself to go out there and provide, and do what I can to help our team be successful. It’s not any different this year. My mindset has not changed. That mindset is to go win—whatever that means for me to do to help this team be successful.”
This isn’t the first time Reaves has taken a gamble. In 2021, he famously asked NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, not to draft him with the No. 42 pick, as they planned to offer him a two-way contract rather than a guaranteed roster spot. Instead, Reaves set his sights on joining the Lakers’ Summer League team, hoping to earn a full-time role with the storied franchise. His plan paid off spectacularly. After standout performances in Summer League and preseason, Reaves secured a guaranteed roster spot with the Purple and Gold, a move that launched his meteoric rise in the league.
“I was really trying to put me in a position to, you know, be able to get a roster spot,” Reaves said on the All The Smoke podcast in 2023. “From 42 and on would have been basically a two-way agreement. So we didn’t have to press and I didn’t really have to hear my name called either.”
A Massive Payday Awaits
Reaves’ decision to decline the Lakers’ $89 million offer could prove to be a masterstroke. Coming off a breakout 2024-25 season where he posted career-highs in points, assists, and three-pointers made, Reaves is poised for an even bigger role in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, league sources project that Reaves could command a contract worth $35-$40 million per year in 2026, whether he stays with the Lakers or tests the free-agent market.
“The Athletic spoke with team and league sources who expect Reaves to earn more than $35 million a year on his next deal, with sources from two teams (neither being the Lakers) speculating that he could command more than $40 million,” Woike reported. This potential payday underscores Reaves’ growing value as a versatile, two-way guard who can score, facilitate, and shoot from deep.
Despite his ambition, Reaves remains grounded about his goals. “We just want to get what we feel like I’ve put the work in to get,” he told Woike. While he expressed a desire to stay in Los Angeles—“I want to be in L.A. I want to continue to play Virginia Country Club on off days,” said the avid golfer—Reaves made it clear that his priority is securing a contract that reflects his worth, both for himself and his family.
All-Star Aspirations and a Winning Mindset
Reaves isn’t just chasing a bigger paycheck; he’s aiming for greatness. The Arkansas native has his sights set on earning his first All-Star nod in the 2025-26 season. “I feel like I could be an All-Star,” Reaves said. “But all of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka [Doncic] and LeBron [James]. And, I wanna win.”
Playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic (likely a reference to potential future teammates or a misstatement, as Doncic is currently with the Dallas Mavericks), Reaves understands the importance of contributing to a winning culture. His focus remains on helping the Lakers succeed, whether that’s through scoring, playmaking, or his relentless work ethic.
A Clear Message to the Lakers
By rejecting the $89 million extension, Reaves has sent a resounding message to the Lakers’ front office: he believes he’s worth more, and he’s willing to prove it on the court. This bold move puts pressure on the Lakers to either meet his expectations in future negotiations or risk losing one of their most promising young talents to free agency in 2026.
For now, Reaves’ focus is clear—continue to elevate his game, help the Lakers win, and solidify his status as one of the league’s rising stars. As he prepares for the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on Austin Reaves to see if his latest gamble pays off as handsomely as his previous ones.