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Lakers superstar Austin Reaves gets $180 million contract update ahead of final year of current deal | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 17:22 GMT by Sporting News

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Austin Reaves Secures Three‑Year, $180‑Million Extension with the Los Angeles Lakers

In a move that signals the Lakers’ intent to keep its emerging star through the next few seasons, the franchise and Austin Reaves have agreed to a three‑year, $180‑million contract extension. The deal, announced in late July, is the most lucrative for a player of Reaves’s age and experience and is designed to lock him into the Lakers’ roster for the 2025‑26 season and beyond.

Contract Structure and Cap Impact

The new contract will run through the 2025‑26 season, beginning with a first‑year salary of $32 million. The second year carries a $49.5‑million cap hit, while the third year is set at $48 million. The Lakers also secured a fourth‑year option worth $50 million, which would bring the total guaranteed value to approximately $180 million. This structure allows the Lakers to spread the cap hit over a longer period while providing Reaves with a significant guaranteed payday.

The extension will free up cap space for the Lakers’ front office to maneuver in the upcoming offseason, especially as the team looks to bolster its backcourt and guard depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. By locking Reaves into a longer-term deal, the Lakers also secure continuity as they build a roster aimed at contending for another championship.

Reaves’s Rise and Role in the Lakers

Drafted 24th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Austin Reaves quickly established himself as one of the league’s most versatile swingmen. During the 2022‑23 campaign, he averaged a career‑high 19.1 points per game, along with 5.0 assists and 3.6 rebounds, while shooting 46.2% from three‑point range. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the NBA’s All‑Defensive Second Team, and he was selected as the Lakers’ leading scorer in the 2022‑23 playoffs, scoring 18 points per game against the Phoenix Suns.

Reaves’s ability to seamlessly switch between guard positions and provide both perimeter shooting and defensive intensity has made him an integral part of the Lakers’ system. He has often taken on a leadership role for the younger guards and has shown a knack for clutch performances in high‑pressure moments.

“Austin’s growth has been phenomenal,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. “His work ethic, defensive consistency, and ability to take on the ball when it matters have made him a cornerstone of our roster. This contract is a recognition of his value and a commitment to building around him.”

Reaves echoed the sentiment in a statement following the signing. “I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some of the best in the league,” he said. “I love the Lakers culture and the way the team is built. I’m excited to continue developing and helping the organization reach new heights.”

Broader Context: Lakers’ Cap Management

The extension fits into a broader cap strategy that sees the Lakers prioritize veteran retention while remaining open to acquiring free‑agent talent. With LeBron James’ contract extending through 2026 and Anthony Davis’s deal expiring in 2025, the Lakers are carefully balancing salary commitments. The $180‑million extension for Reaves is one of the larger guarantees for a player in his age group, underscoring the team’s belief in his continued upward trajectory.

Moreover, the contract’s structure, featuring a high first‑year cap hit followed by a slightly lower second‑year, reflects the NBA’s “salary floor” and “salary cap” constraints. It allows the Lakers to maintain flexibility for other moves while ensuring Reaves receives a substantial financial reward for his contributions.

Future Outlook

With Reaves now secured through the 2025‑26 season, the Lakers can focus on complementary pieces to strengthen their lineup. The franchise has already expressed interest in adding additional guard depth and a reliable three‑point shooter. Reaves’s presence will provide the team with a dependable option from the perimeter and a solid defensive anchor.

As the Lakers continue to navigate the complex landscape of NBA free agency and salary cap constraints, the Reaves extension is a clear signal that the organization values stability and growth. The player’s proven track record, coupled with his increasing leadership role, positions him as a key component of the Lakers’ championship aspirations in the coming years.