Austin Reaves Prioritizes Big Payday Over Loyalty To Los Angeles Lakers As Contract Decision Looms With Future Hanging In The Balance

Austin Reaves has been one of the brightest surprises in Los Angeles over the last few seasons, an undrafted guard who worked his way from a two-way contract into becoming one of the Lakers’ most reliable pieces. But in the NBA, loyalty is often tested when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, and Reaves is about to face that exact dilemma. With a $15 million player option for next season, one that he is almost certainly going to decline, Reaves is signaling that he wants the bag—and he may be willing to leave LA to secure it.

Reaves’ emergence has been steady but undeniable. Last season, he posted career highs across the board, showing not just scoring ability but also playmaking instincts and defensive toughness that made him indispensable in JJ Redick’s rotation. He proved himself further by leading the Lakers to a 3-1 record in games where both Luka Doncic and LeBron James were unavailable, shouldering the load and proving he could be more than just a role player in someone else’s shadow. That kind of resilience and adaptability is exactly why he is poised to cash in.

The Lakers know his value, but the financial landscape of the team complicates things. LeBron James just drafted alongside his son Bronny and is expected to push for another extension that will lock him in with the franchise through 2027. Luka Doncic, the face of LA’s future, is already on a massive deal. If the Lakers choose to prioritize keeping LeBron satisfied while maintaining Luka’s megastar contract, there may not be enough financial flexibility left to give Reaves the kind of deal he feels he deserves.

That’s where things get tricky. According to The Athletic, Reaves already declined a 4-year, $89 million extension offer from the Lakers last season. That decision wasn’t made lightly. It was a clear message that he believes his market value is higher than what the Lakers were offering, and that he is willing to test free agency to find out who else is ready to pay him what he’s worth. With the salary cap projected to rise and teams always searching for two-way guards who can handle, shoot, and defend, Reaves’ gamble could very well pay off.

There’s also the age factor. Reaves will only turn 28 next May, meaning this summer represents the perfect window for him to land the biggest contract of his career. He’s in his prime, with enough experience to have proven himself but young enough that teams can expect several more years of high-level production. That timing puts pressure on the Lakers, because if they don’t lock him up now, they risk losing him for nothing.

Across the league, there will be suitors. Teams with cap space that missed out on bigger fish may see Reaves as the kind of underrated prize that can shift the balance of a roster. A guard who can score 18 to 20 points on efficient shooting, play off the ball, create for others, and defend multiple positions is exactly the archetype that thrives in today’s NBA. Small-market teams looking for a cornerstone and contenders searching for the final piece of the puzzle will be circling.

The question then becomes whether Reaves values being a Laker as much as the Lakers value him. His role in LA has been defined as a perfect complement to LeBron and Luka—someone who can handle secondary playmaking duties, space the floor, and guard the perimeter. But if he goes elsewhere, he could be stepping into a starring role. That’s the lure of free agency: the possibility of more money, more responsibility, and more recognition.

Still, there are risks. Leaving the Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, means leaving the spotlight that magnifies every performance. In LA, Reaves has become a fan favorite, embraced for his underdog story and clutch shot-making. If he signs elsewhere, the expectations could shift. Teams won’t be paying him for being a role player—they’ll pay him to be a centerpiece. That transition can be tricky, and not every player thrives once the safety net of superstars is gone.

But Reaves has shown he’s not afraid of pressure. He’s already played alongside two of the game’s biggest stars and has proven he can hold his own in the postseason spotlight. If anything, his time with LeBron and Luka may have prepared him for the challenge of leading elsewhere.

The Lakers, on the other hand, are left with a tough decision. Do they overextend financially to keep Reaves, knowing it could limit their flexibility in other areas? Or do they risk losing him, betting on their ability to replace his production with cheaper role players around LeBron and Luka? In today’s NBA, where depth and versatility are crucial, losing someone like Reaves could be a blow that hurts more than it seems on paper.

The reality is that Los Angeles is caught in a balancing act between maintaining a veteran superstar in LeBron, committing to Luka as the future, and keeping the supporting cast strong enough to contend. Something has to give, and Reaves may be the odd man out if the financial math doesn’t work.

Reaves’ story resonates because it’s the classic NBA journey: the overlooked player who fought his way into stardom and is now demanding the recognition—and compensation—that comes with it. Fans love the grit and grind, but they also understand the business side of the game. When the numbers are this big, sentimentality often takes a backseat.

As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on Reaves’ decision. Declining the player option is almost a foregone conclusion, and once he hits the open market, the Lakers will find themselves in a bidding war they may not be able to win. For Reaves, it’s the moment he has worked for his entire career. For the Lakers, it’s a test of just how much they truly value one of their most important players outside of Luka.

In the end, Austin Reaves wants the bag. And in a league built on both talent and financial maneuvering, he has earned the right to chase it—even if it means leaving Los Angeles behind.