Austin Reaves seeks max contract from Lakers ahead of free agency
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 4:39 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Austin Reaves intends to opt out of his contract and seek a max deal from the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. A Los Angeles Times insider indicated Reaves could command up to five years and $241 million if the Lakers opt to keep him. However, comparisons are drawn with potential offers from other teams, such as the Chicago Bulls or Brooklyn, worth four years and $178 million. Concerns arise regarding Reaves' durability and performance in recent playoffs, potentially impacting his market value. Lakers may explore alternatives, including a sign-and-trade to improve their roster.
- •Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists this season.
- •He appeared in only 51 games due to injuries.
- •The Lakers face tough financial decisions regarding Reaves.
- •Other teams could offer Reaves substantial contracts.
- •Lakers may consider a sign-and-trade for roster improvement.
- 5:39 PMYahoo Sports — Austin Reaves is not likely to accept a ‘hometown deal’ below $241 million from LA Lakers
- 4:39 AMYahoo Sports — L.A. Times insider: Austin Reaves wants max deal from Lakers
- 4:19 AMBleacher Report — New Lakers Rumors on Austin Reaves' Contract Demands amid LeBron Buzz, NBA Free Agency - Bleacher Report
"Austin Reaves’ next contract may end up as one of the defining decisions of the Lakers’ offseason, especially if he is not willing to leave max money on the table. While LeBron James’ future will naturally dominate headlines, Reaves’ situation is quietly climbing up the list of priorities because his market looks bigger than many fans expected.
"Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves, who can decline his player option to become a free agent this offseason, is expected to want the max, per Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times on Spectrum Sportsnet Live.
"According to a Los Angeles Times insider, the Lakers may have no choice but to give Austin Reaves a max contract this summer if they want to keep him.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 5:39 PMAustin Reaves is not likely to accept a ‘hometown deal’ below $241 million from LA Lakers
Austin Reaves’ next contract may end up as one of the defining decisions of the Lakers’ offseason, especially if he is not willing to leave max money on the table. While LeBron James’ future will naturally dominate headlines, Reaves’ situation is quietly climbing up the list of priorities because his market looks bigger than many fans expected.
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 4:39 AML.A. Times insider: Austin Reaves wants max deal from Lakers
According to a Los Angeles Times insider, the Lakers may have no choice but to give Austin Reaves a max contract this summer if they want to keep him.
- Bleacher ReportJun 5, 2026, 4:19 AMNew Lakers Rumors on Austin Reaves' Contract Demands amid LeBron Buzz, NBA Free Agency - Bleacher Report
Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves, who can decline his player option to become a free agent this offseason, is expected to want the max, per Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times on Spectrum Sportsnet Live.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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