The Los Angeles Lakers have officially re-signed guard Austin Reaves, ensuring one of the franchise’s most important players will remain in purple and gold for years to come.
The move had been expected since late June after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on July 1 that Reaves planned to sign a new four-year, $185 million maximum deal to stay in L.A., making him the highest-paid undrafted free agent in NBA history.
Advertisement
Now, the agreement has become official, giving the Lakers another foundational piece as the organization enters a new era under Reaves and Luka Dončić.
With LeBron James set to leave the franchise, retaining Reaves quickly became one of the Lakers’ top priorities. The front office wasted little time securing the 28-year-old, who has developed from an undrafted free agent into one of the NBA’s top guards.
Reaves Continues His Incredible Rise
Few players have experienced a journey like Reaves.
Advertisement
After going undrafted in 2021 out of Oklahoma, he earned a roster spot after an impressive Summer League and training camp. Over the past five seasons, he has evolved from a role player into one of the Lakers’ primary offensive options while becoming a fan favorite.
Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He proved he could shoulder a much larger offensive role and became one of the team’s most dependable playmakers.
His breakout campaign positioned him for a significant payday, and the Lakers rewarded him with the largest contract ever given to an undrafted player.
Advertisement
A Key Piece of the Lakers’ Future
The Lakers have undergone significant changes this offseason, reshaping the roster around Dončić while adding several key veterans through free agency and trades.
Keeping Reaves may ultimately prove to be the organization’s most important move.
His ability to score at all three levels, create offense for teammates and play in big moments has made him an ideal fit alongside Dončić as the two were at one point the highest-scoring duo in the NBA last season.
Advertisement
Together, the two guards are expected to lead the Lakers’ offense as the franchise begins its next chapter.
Beyond his production, Reaves provides continuity for a roster that has experienced major turnover. He understands the expectations that come with playing for the Lakers and has steadily embraced a larger leadership role within the organization.
His new contract reflects the confidence the Lakers have in his continued development and reinforces their commitment to building a championship contender around their new core.
Advertisement
With his future officially secured, Reaves can now turn his attention to helping lead the Lakers back into championship contention. After one of the most remarkable rises in recent NBA history, his story in L.A. is far from over.
