Austin Reaves predicted to chase significant pay raise

Austin Reaves has a player option on his contract for the 2026-27 season. He's expected to opt out of that final year and explore free agency, in the hope of landing a lucrative new deal. 

Reaves is a fan favorite among the Los Angeles Lakers fan base and will undoubtedly want to remain with the franchise. However, free agency is always unpredictable, especially when talented glue guys hit the market. Multiple teams around the NBA will likely covet Reaves and will explore the opportunity to do so next summer.

Austin Reaves could receive a huge payday in a matter of time

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Reaves could be in line for a contract worth north of $100 million in total value.

"Reaves is betting on himself for 2025-26," Bontemps wrote. "Reaves and his representatives turned down a four-year, nearly $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers in June, setting himself up to test unrestricted free agency next summer and sign a new deal worth well over $100 million."

Reaves has improved his game each year. He will likely have a sizable role in JJ Redick's rotation for the upcoming season. Therefore, if he can continue to produce alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, his value around the NBA will continue to rise. Last season, Reaves played in 73 games for the Lakers, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds, which were career highs across the board. 

Los Angeles Lakers should want to keep Austin Reaves

Glue guys are both hard to find and highly valuable. Reaves has the unique ability to scale his production according to the team's needs. Very few players are capable of being highly productive when sharing the floor with two heliocentric stars, yet Reaves has found the perfect balance. He knows when to call for the ball, when to operate as a spacer and how to use his gravity to ensure his superstar teammates have the necessary space to play.

Assuming Reaves signs a five-year deal, he will increase his earnings from an average annual salary of $13.4 million to $20 million. That jump isn't enough to break the bank, and should certainly be an attainable target for the Lakers front office in negotiations. 

The Lakers signed Reaves as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He's become a key part of everything they do on both sides of the floor. And, with his Bird Rights in hand, the front office should have no problem cutting him a check to keep him around for his prime years.