Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Lakers' Austin Reaves Declines Extension, Eyes Lucrative Free Agency
Austin Reaves, a basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, turned down a contract extension worth almost $90 million.
He did this because he believes he can earn even more money in the future.
He is betting on himself to play even better and become a more valuable player.
This is a common move in the NBA.
He wants to stay with the Lakers.
Last season he played very well, scoring a lot of points and assists.
He signed a contract last year, but now he is hoping for a bigger contract in the future.
Austin Reaves declined a $89.2 million contract extension offered by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reaves' decision is strategic, aiming to enter unrestricted free agency for a potentially larger deal.
Reaves wants to stay with the Lakers long-term, as he expressed his desire at his basketball camp.
Reaves had a career-high season in 2024-25, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game.
Reaves signed a four-year, $54 million deal in 2023, which he has outgrown, according to reports.
- Who
- Austin Reaves, a player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- What
- Austin Reaves declined a contract extension with the Lakers.
- When
- Recently, as the article states he has declined the extension.
- Where
- Los Angeles, within the context of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Why
- To potentially secure a more lucrative deal in the future through free agency.
Player's Perspective
No opposing view.
Future in LA
Player's Perspective
Reaves wants to play in LA long-term.
No opposing view.
No opposing view given in the article.
- Player
- Austin Reaves
- Team
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Extension Offer
- $89.2 million
- Current Contract
- Four-year, $54 million (signed in 2023)
- Points Per Game
- 20.2 (career-high)
- Assists Per Game
- 5.8 (career-high)