Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, including a player option for the final 2029-30 season [1, 2, 3, 4]. The deal is the largest ever for an undrafted NBA player, setting a new benchmark for undrafted free agents [1, 2, 3, 4].
The 28-year-old guard declined his previous $14.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season on June 24 to pursue the new contract [1, 3, 5]. The Lakers agreed to the extension two days later on June 26 [1, 3, 4]. The contract includes salaries of about $41.3 million in 2026-27, $44.6 million in 2027-28, $47.9 million in 2028-29, and a $51.2 million player option year [4].
Reaves played only 51 games last season due to calf and oblique injuries but averaged career highs with 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game [1, 2, 3]. He returned from injury for the 2026 playoffs, averaging 20 points and 5.8 assists in six games [3].
The Lakers prioritized retaining Reaves early to fend off interest from teams like the Detroit Pistons [3, 6]. General manager Rob 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" [3].
Efforts to persuade Reaves included personal gestures such as a custom pillow and playing his favorite country music [1]. His girlfriend shared photos showing his excitement, celebrating on the grass after the deal [1, 6].
Reaves is represented by agents Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency [3].
The contract officially begins with the 2026-27 NBA season. The player option gives Reaves control over the final year, allowing flexibility in his future with the Lakers [1, 3, 4].
