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The Los Angeles Lakers arguably made their biggest offseason moves by securing Austin Reaves to a long-term deal on Tuesday, and they made it clear that staying was always his preferred outcome.
After days of negotiations and speculation surrounding his future, Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million contract extension with the Lakers, ending any uncertainty about where he would play next season.
While several teams were reportedly prepared to pursue him aggressively in free agency, Reaves said his heart never left L.A.
“My heart's been in L.A.,” Reaves told The Athletic's Dan Woike. “Every morning I wake up, I'm just like, ‘I hope we can get this done today.’”
Austin Reaves (15) controls the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
The deal represents a remarkable journey for Reaves, who entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
Over the last five seasons, he has transformed from a developmental prospect into one of the league's most productive guards and a cornerstone player for the Lakers' future.
Despite ultimately reaching an agreement, Reaves admitted the negotiation process was not easy.
“A couple of times actually,” Reaves said when asked if he thought he might leave. “I didn't know how negotiations would go. I don't think Aaron and Reggie really knew how negotiations would go. But like I said, we wanted to be in L.A., my heart was in L.A., and we got it done.”
Austin Reaves (15) before playing against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
According to reports, teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets were expected to make strong pushes for Reaves. Detroit, in particular, reportedly emerged as one of the biggest threats to lure him away from Los Angeles.
Ultimately, however, the Lakers prioritized retaining one of their most valuable players.
Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 51 games.
His production placed him among some of the NBA's elite offensive players, further validating the Lakers' decision to invest heavily as he enters his prime at 28-years-old.
The extension also solidifies the Lakers' long-term vision around Reaves and Luka Dončić.
Since acquiring Dončić, the organization has been focused on building a roster capable of contending for championships during the superstar's prime years. Keeping Reaves was viewed as a critical step in that process.
When Reaves shared the floor with Dončić and LeBron James last season, the Lakers posted a 20-9 record, plus-7.8 net rating and at one point were the highest scoring duo in the NBA.
Now, with his future secured, Reaves is focused on helping the Lakers take the next step.
Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
“It's going to be fun,” Reaves said. “Winning a championship is the main goal. And I feel like, with me and Luka, that's a great starting piece to compete.”
For Reaves, the new contract provides both financial security and peace of mind. More importantly, it allows him to remain with the franchise where he always hoped to stay.
After a stressful week of negotiations, the Lakers and Reaves ultimately reached the outcome both sides wanted — a future together in Los Angeles.
Continue reading...
After days of negotiations and speculation surrounding his future, Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million contract extension with the Lakers, ending any uncertainty about where he would play next season.
While several teams were reportedly prepared to pursue him aggressively in free agency, Reaves said his heart never left L.A.
“My heart's been in L.A.,” Reaves told The Athletic's Dan Woike. “Every morning I wake up, I'm just like, ‘I hope we can get this done today.’”
You must be registered for see images attach
Austin Reaves (15) controls the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
The deal represents a remarkable journey for Reaves, who entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
Over the last five seasons, he has transformed from a developmental prospect into one of the league's most productive guards and a cornerstone player for the Lakers' future.
The Process of the Deal
Despite ultimately reaching an agreement, Reaves admitted the negotiation process was not easy.
“A couple of times actually,” Reaves said when asked if he thought he might leave. “I didn't know how negotiations would go. I don't think Aaron and Reggie really knew how negotiations would go. But like I said, we wanted to be in L.A., my heart was in L.A., and we got it done.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Austin Reaves (15) before playing against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
According to reports, teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets were expected to make strong pushes for Reaves. Detroit, in particular, reportedly emerged as one of the biggest threats to lure him away from Los Angeles.
Ultimately, however, the Lakers prioritized retaining one of their most valuable players.
Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 51 games.
His production placed him among some of the NBA's elite offensive players, further validating the Lakers' decision to invest heavily as he enters his prime at 28-years-old.
Reaves and Luka Bromance
The extension also solidifies the Lakers' long-term vision around Reaves and Luka Dončić.
Since acquiring Dončić, the organization has been focused on building a roster capable of contending for championships during the superstar's prime years. Keeping Reaves was viewed as a critical step in that process.
When Reaves shared the floor with Dončić and LeBron James last season, the Lakers posted a 20-9 record, plus-7.8 net rating and at one point were the highest scoring duo in the NBA.
Now, with his future secured, Reaves is focused on helping the Lakers take the next step.
You must be registered for see images attach
Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
“It's going to be fun,” Reaves said. “Winning a championship is the main goal. And I feel like, with me and Luka, that's a great starting piece to compete.”
For Reaves, the new contract provides both financial security and peace of mind. More importantly, it allows him to remain with the franchise where he always hoped to stay.
After a stressful week of negotiations, the Lakers and Reaves ultimately reached the outcome both sides wanted — a future together in Los Angeles.
Continue reading...
