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Lakers' Austin Reaves receives $168 million contract prediction to stay close to Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Austin Reaves might be the best player available in free agency this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 season. Across 51 games, he averaged 23.3 points on 49 percent shooting while forming a close bond with Luka Doncic, the franchise's superstar.
MORE: LeBron James’ retirement or free agent decision gets warning from Spurs-Thunder series
Reaves' closeness with Doncic means the Lakers will prioritize retaining the 27-year-old in the summer once he declines his player option for next season. And for Reaves, it is financially advantageous for him to remain Los Angeles as opposed to heading elsewhere.
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus predicts that Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers on a five-year, $168 million deal, far below the maximum he could make in Los Angeles but still worth close to $35 million per year.
But rebuilding teams willing to give Reaves a starring role could raise his price past the Lakers' comfort level.
"The challenge will be finding teams capable of spending if the Brooklyn Nets or Chicago Bulls are willing to drive up the price," Pincus wrote. "Other franchises could get involved by trading to create cap room or by attempting to initiate a sign-and-trade with the Lakers."
It all depends on what Reaves wants. And if he only has eyes on the Lakers, that gives leverage to Rob Pelinka in the LA front office.
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