How much should the Lakers pay Austin Reaves?

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Given how great a player Austin Reaves has been after being an undrafted free agent, it’s no question that he’s been performing well above his contract throughout his career.

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However, that might not be true for much longer. Reaves is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given that he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game this past season and has improved each year, a player of his caliber becoming available in free agency makes him a hot commodity.

So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, how much should the Lakers pay Austin Reaves?

There are already reports indicating that a team like the Nets could be interested and possibly offer Reaves a four-year, $178.5 million contract. That would make Reaves a player making $44.6 millon per year, so perhaps LA will have no choice but to pay that kind of number to retain Reaves.

However, all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, especially as we enter free agency. Until negotiations begin, we don’t know whether interest will turn into action.

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Regardless of the Nets’ or any other team’s interest, the Lakers have to figure out what type of deal they want to offer Reaves.

Obviously, the lowest salary possible would be ideal. But if another franchise offers more, LA might have to pay up and get closer to max money.

That would typically limit a team’s ability to make other moves, but given that Reaves’ cap hold this year will be approximately $20.9 million, LA can still pay him and bolster its roster.

Also, while reports with such big numbers attached to Reaves are out there, he has consistently said he isn’t just looking to make as much money as possible. So yes, Reaves will get a raise, but maybe it won’t be for simply the largest amount of money from the highest bidder.

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The general expectation is still that…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/much-lakers-pay-austin-reaves-220205974.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-16 22:02:00

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