Reaves Agrees to Contract to Stay with Lakers

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Austin Reaves has signed a four-year, $185 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, making it the largest deal ever for an undrafted NBA player. This commitment highlights the Lakers' intention to build around Reaves as a central figure in their pursuit of future championship success.

Austin Reaves has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth approximately $185 million, sources familiar with the deal confirmed this week. The agreement, which includes a player option for the final season in 2029-30, marks the largest contract ever awarded to an undrafted NBA player.

Reaves, 28, who joined the Lakers in 2021 after going undrafted out of Oklahoma, declined his $14.9 million player option for the upcoming season to secure the new deal. The contract is valued at an average of around $46 million annually, with the first year paying approximately $41.3 million.

The guard has steadily improved throughout his five-year NBA career, reaching career highs last season with averages of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Despite suffering calf and oblique injuries that limited him to 51 regular-season games, Reaves maintained strong playoff performances, averaging 20 points, 5.8 assists, and 4 rebounds over six postseason contests.

Throughout the offseason, the Lakers made it clear they prioritized retaining Reaves amid reported interest from other teams including Brooklyn and Detroit. Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka reflected on Reaves’s journey with the franchise, noting the mutual desire for him to remain with the team and continue contributing in the “purple and gold.”

Reaves himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NBA and for the support he has received from the organization. “I take life day by day and I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization, play a kid’s game,” he said following the season. “There’s always opportunities and areas that you can continue to grow… I’ll take some time off, get back in the gym and continue to get better.”

The new contract underscores the Lakers’ commitment to building around Reaves, who has developed strong chemistry with teammates including backcourt partner Luka Doncic. As the Lakers look ahead to the 2026-27 season, Reaves’ expanded role and lucrative extension position him as a key figure in the franchise’s ongoing efforts to return to championship contention.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.