The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their third star to pair with Lebron James and Luka Doncic: Austin Reaves. He took a big step forward last season, but Reaves has been spectacular to start this season. Here is a look at why the Lakers may struggle to find a way to sign the young guard beyond this season.
While much attention has been paid to San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s start to the season, Austin Reaves’ hot start has largely flown under the radar. The fifth-year player out of Oklahoma has lit up opposing defenses and filled stat sheets. He has also led the offense and hit clutch shots at a time when James and Doncic are both out with injuries. The 6’5″ shooting guard hit a game-winner at the buzzer on Wednesday to keep the Lakers from blowing a 20-point lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Through the first five games, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He is shooting 52.5 percent from the floor, 89.7 percent from the free throw line, and 38.5 percent on three-pointers. Reaves has scored 25 or more points in every game, with career-highs of 41 and 51 points. He has hit double-figures in assists twice and rebounds once, including kicking off the season with a career-high 16-assist game. With the team’s two top stars out, he has really stepped up for Laker head coach JJ Reddick.
Reaves has a player’s option for next season, but he will most likely opt out of his contract to test the open market. With the numbers he is putting up, his agent would be a fool not to advise him to become an unrestricted free agent and pick up a big payday. If Los Angeles offers him the biggest extension they are allowed, Reaves would qualify for a four-year deal worth about $89 million. If he opts out, the Lakers could offer him a new contract for five years and $240 million.
James’ contract is up at the end of this season. If he works out an extension to stay with LA, that will create a new maximum deal for Reaves that poses a real problem for the Lakers’ budget. James is making $52.6 million this season and most likely wouldn’t take an extension for less than that. Doncic will make just over $51 million for next season. If you add in a new Reaves deal, that is a lot of money invested in just three players. Los Angeles will have a projected league salary cap of $166 million for next season. This would not leave the Lakers a lot of wiggle room to fill out the rest of their roster without triggering the NBA’s luxury tax.
Reaves is rapidly developing into a big star and a fan favorite in Los Angeles. If James retires or moves on to another team next season, the young guard’s contract will seem much more palatable. If James sticks around for another year, the Lakers will have some serious decisions to make. James has yet to play this season due to sciatica. As impossible as it may seem, the Lakers could have to decide between him and Reaves. If James puts up big numbers when he returns this season, that will make that decision even harder. The future Hall of Famer will turn 41 in December and can only outrun Father Time for so long.
As ridiculous as it sounds, if I were the Los Angeles front office, I would lock up a young emerging Reaves over adding a 42-year-old season of James. DeAndre Ayton has a player’s option for next season. Whether he stays or goes, the Lakers need to draft a big man with their first-round pick in the 2026 draft. If they lock up Reaves, that means their two best players post-James will be guards. Pairing a talented young big man on a rookie deal with Doncic and Reaves gives the team the best path forward.
Plus, if James is gone, Los Angeles can cut ties with his son as well. Bronny James does not appear to be panning out for the team and appears to be a Laker only because his father requested it. That would free up a roster spot for someone who could contribute more than just making father-son memories for their biggest star.
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