Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million maximum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on June 25, 2026, including a player option in the final 2029-30 season [1, 2, 3, 4]. The deal is the largest ever for an undrafted NBA player, surpassing all previous contracts for players who entered the league without being drafted [1, 2, 3, 4].

Reaves, 28, declined a $14.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season to commit to the new max deal with the Lakers [1, 3, 4]. The contract starts with a $41.3 million salary in the first year and escalates annually to $51.2 million in the option year [3, 4].

The Lakers took a personal approach to retain Reaves. They hosted a meeting at their practice facility where they presented a pillow monogrammed with his initials, "AR," and played his favorite country music during discussions to persuade him to re-sign [1].

Last season, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds over 51 games, limited by calf and oblique injuries sustained in late December 2025 [1, 3, 4]. In the 2026 NBA Playoffs, he returned from injury to average 20 points and 5.8 assists across six games before the Lakers fell in the second round [1, 3].

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said retaining Reaves was a priority ahead of other teams such as Detroit, which could have matched max salary offers. Pelinka said, "He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the Purple and Gold" [1, 3].

Reaves has developed strong on-court chemistry with star teammate Luka Dončić. The Lakers see the duo as the franchise's future backcourt core [2, 3, 4].

Reaves was underpaid early in his career due to NBA collective bargaining agreement rules designed to limit offers to young players, including the Gilbert Arenas provision [2]. This new contract reflects his value as a leading player for the Lakers.

Reaves officially becomes a key returning piece for the Lakers as they prepare their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season.