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One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ lingering offseason questions has been answered.
Star guard Austin Reaves is eschewing free agency and instead returning to the purple and gold on a four-year, $185 million contract, reports ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
That deal, which includes a player option for the final year of the deal, is the richest ever for an undrafted player.
Reaves has certainly earned that deal, though.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season, becoming the team’s second-leading scorer after superstar Luka Doncic.
While the Lakers fell short of a championship — they were swept by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs — they showed promise before injuries derailed the season.
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) look on from the bench during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In March, before Doncic and Reaves both were injured, the team was on a historic run and looked primed for a deep playoff push.
As the Lakers organization undertakes what president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka calls a “full rebuild and retool” this offseason, they’re also trying to build a roster to compete for a title around the superstar Doncic.
Doncic made clear that he wanted Reaves back on the team, though his other request for an A-list center remains unfulfilled.
Center Deandre Ayton proved frustrating at times this season, and while Doncic and backup center Jaxson Hayes are close, there’s plenty of pressure to put together a stronger frontcourt.
Given that the Lakers drafted Baylor guard Cameron Carr Tuesday night, it seems likely that the Lakers could try to land a dominant big man in free agency.
Perhaps the highest-profile question, though, is whether legend LeBron James will return for a record 24th NBA season and, if so, will he suit up again for the purple and gold?
There’s talk he could play his last season alongside Stephen Curry for the Golden State Warriors, but don’t expect an answer soon.
James said his deliberating could take all summer.
The post Lakers Bring Back Austin Reaves on Record-Breaking $185M Contract appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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Star guard Austin Reaves is eschewing free agency and instead returning to the purple and gold on a four-year, $185 million contract, reports ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
That deal, which includes a player option for the final year of the deal, is the richest ever for an undrafted player.
Reaves has certainly earned that deal, though.
Why did the Lakers give Austin Reaves such a big contract?
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season, becoming the team’s second-leading scorer after superstar Luka Doncic.
While the Lakers fell short of a championship — they were swept by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs — they showed promise before injuries derailed the season.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) look on from the bench during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In March, before Doncic and Reaves both were injured, the team was on a historic run and looked primed for a deep playoff push.
How are the Lakers rebuilding for the 2026-27 season?
As the Lakers organization undertakes what president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka calls a “full rebuild and retool” this offseason, they’re also trying to build a roster to compete for a title around the superstar Doncic.
Doncic made clear that he wanted Reaves back on the team, though his other request for an A-list center remains unfulfilled.
Center Deandre Ayton proved frustrating at times this season, and while Doncic and backup center Jaxson Hayes are close, there’s plenty of pressure to put together a stronger frontcourt.
Given that the Lakers drafted Baylor guard Cameron Carr Tuesday night, it seems likely that the Lakers could try to land a dominant big man in free agency.
Perhaps the highest-profile question, though, is whether legend LeBron James will return for a record 24th NBA season and, if so, will he suit up again for the purple and gold?
There’s talk he could play his last season alongside Stephen Curry for the Golden State Warriors, but don’t expect an answer soon.
James said his deliberating could take all summer.
The post Lakers Bring Back Austin Reaves on Record-Breaking $185M Contract appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
