Austin Reaves rejects max extension from Lakers; what's next?

Four years after joining the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted player, Austin Reaves has declined a max extension offer from the team. The offer was worth $89.2 million over four years, but Reaves chose to continue with his current four-year, $54 million contract signed in 2023 as a restricted free agent.

Reaves can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, where he is expected to receive offers exceeding what the Lakers could offer him this year due to league restrictions. The decision to decline the extension was not due to any issues between Reaves and the Lakers but rather the limitations on the offer.

Despite rumors during the NBA Draft, the Lakers have shown no interest in trading Reaves and value him highly. While there is pressure for the Lakers to strengthen their roster alongside key players like Luka Dončić and LeBron James, the team's focus remains on building around players of high character and competitiveness.

Reaves had a career-high average of 20.2 points per game last season. His pending free agency makes him a challenging player to trade for, as other teams can offer him more than what the Lakers proposed. The Lakers are considering various options in the draft to address their needs, including potentially trading Reaves if necessary.

Reaves has expressed his desire to stay with the Lakers long-term, stating his love for the organization and the city of Los Angeles. The team has shown success with a trio of Dončić, James, and Reaves on the court, winning 10 out of 13 games they started together during the regular season.

The Lakers are actively pursuing a center and are equipped with assets to facilitate trades. They are focused on making the right moves rather than rushing into deals. The team's next steps will signal their approach to the upcoming NBA season and potential trades.