The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly planning to offer Austin Reaves a significant contract extension.
This follows the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić in February 2025 and their desire to build a team around him.
Lakers’ Commitment to Reaves
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer Austin Reaves a five-year, $240 million contract this offseason once unrestricted free agency begins. According to a report, the Lakers have ‘no fear’ of losing Reaves.
Reaves apparently wants to spend his entire career with the team.
The Lakers know that Reaves wants to return to Los Angeles, as he has clearly embraced the organisation and the city.
Dončić’s Influence on Roster Building
Dončić wants the organisation to build around him as quickly as possible. Dončić, who is 26, gives the Lakers a longer timeline to build a championship-contending team.
He reportedly told Lakers president and coach in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender.
The Current Big Three’s Performance
The Lakers currently feature a big three of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Dončić. However, when the trio shares the court, the results have not been particularly impressive.
In the 316 minutes the big three have played together, their offensive rating is 109.4. That mark would rank 29th in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the team’s defensive rating of 110.5 with all three on the court would be a top-five mark in the league.
Potential Free Agency Competition
Reaves is set to become a free agent this summer, and details about his potential next contract have already surfaced. His free agency could still become competitive, as other teams may attempt to offer him significant money.
Los Angeles will likely do whatever it takes to keep Reaves, though committing that much money could make things difficult when pursuing other free agents. Still, Reaves has been highly productive alongside Dončić, so giving him a major contract could make perfect sense for the Lakers’ long-term plans.
The Lakers know that Reaves wants to return to Los Angeles, as he has clearly embraced the organisation and the city.