Lakers planning massive offer to keep Austin Reaves

The Lakers appear ready to make sure Austin Reaves stays exactly where he is.

According to sources cited by Ashish Mathur of Lakers Daily, the Lakers plan to offer Reaves a five-year contract worth roughly $240 million once free agency opens this summer.

Reaves is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. Still, the Lakers reportedly have “no fear” of losing him, as the undrafted guard has repeatedly said he wants to spend his career in Los Angeles.

And based on his production, it is easy to see why the Lakers want him back.

Reaves is averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three. The 27-year-old has increased his scoring average every season since entering the NBA in 2021.

He also maintains strong relationships with teammates Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and coach JJ Redick.

The future of James remains uncertain, however. He will be a free agent this offseason and could either re-sign with the Lakers, return to the Cavaliers or retire.

Either way, the Lakers appear determined to keep Reaves as a centerpiece moving forward.