Reports indicate Lakers’ Austin Reaves is in line for a $240M contract update as he pushes for the playoffs with Luka Doncic, a story first published by The Sporting News. Make The Sporting News a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Following the February 2025 trade, the Los Angeles Lakers recognize Luka Doncic as their franchise cornerstone. Yet, the team’s current roster isn’t optimally positioned for a championship run, and Doncic is eager for the organization to rapidly construct a competitive team around him.
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“While Dončić’s age of 26 offers the Lakers an extended period to assemble a championship roster, this doesn’t imply they should leisurely proceed. In May, Dončić conveyed to Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick his desire to forgo a gradual strategy in constructing a contender,” observed Jasmyn Wimbish from CBS Sports.
Presently, the Lakers showcase a formidable trio consisting of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Doncic. Nevertheless, their collective performance on the court has not consistently met expectations.
“This concept doesn’t seem revolutionary, and purely based on observation, it appears plausible. However, current statistics don’t entirely support this. While acknowledging that non-five-player lineup data isn’t definitive, the Lakers’ Big 3, in their shared 316 minutes, exhibit a notable 109.4 offensive rating, which would place them 29th in the NBA. Conversely, their defensive rating of 110.5 when all three are playing together would rank among the league’s top five,” according to Quinn Everts of Lake Show Life.
Austin Reaves is slated for free agency this summer, and initial information regarding his prospective new contract has already emerged.
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“Sources informed Lakers Daily that the Los Angeles Lakers intend to present Austin Reaves with a five-year, $240 million deal once unrestricted free agency commences this offseason,” reported Ashish Mathur of Lakers Daily. “The Lakers express ‘no concern’ about losing the skilled undrafted guard, who reportedly desires to remain with the Purple and Gold throughout his career.”
It’s clear the Lakers are aware of Reaves’ desire to stay in Los Angeles, given his strong affinity for both the team and the metropolitan area. Nonetheless, his upcoming free agency might still draw considerable competition, with other franchises potentially tabling substantial offers.
The Los Angeles organization is expected to go to great lengths to retain Reaves, although allocating such a significant sum could complicate efforts to acquire other free agents. Despite this, Reaves’ strong performance alongside Doncic suggests that a lucrative contract might align well with the Lakers’ strategic long-term vision.