Austin Reaves Could Force Lakers Exit With Big Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 9, 2025 9:21 PM ET

Austin Reaves is still under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2026-27 season, with a player option clause for that final year.

The 26-year-old is now also eligible for a contract extension, which means that the Lakers could secure Reaves' future with the team this offseason by signing him to a new multi-year deal.

As it turns out, however, things might not be as straightforward as some fans might expect.

A new report from Sports Illustrated has revealed that while the Lakers might be willing to extend Reaves' tenure in Hollywood, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard might not be on the same page.

"The Lakers can offer Reaves a four-year, $89.2 million contract, which would be an upgrade from his current four-year, $53 million contract. L.A. would love for him to sign; however, the expectation is he will decline that and opt out of his current contract after next season," SI's report read.

The last thing the Lakers want is to lose Reaves for nothing. This could be the case if he decides to turn down a contract extension this summer. He would then be able to walk away from L.A. next year as an unrestricted free agent, potentially leaving the Lakers with nothing to show for.

As such, Reaves, who underperformed in L.A.'s first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, might just force the Lakers to trade him if they are unable to extend his deal this summer--at least according to SI.

"Reaves is far from untouchable, so if a deal strikes that the Lakers cannot say 'no' to and it involves Reaves, [Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka] would have no choice but to pull the trigger."

The report also pointed out that L.A. just dealt Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade deal a few months ago, making a potential divorce with Reaves even more plausible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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