Lakers secure Reaves in $185m deal, preserving cap flexibility
The agreement, reported by ESPN, ensures Austin Reaves remains with the franchise while maintaining the team’s projected salary space for upcoming free agency moves.
The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Austin Reaves have agreed to a new four-year, $185 million contract, securing the player’s future with the franchise. The deal includes a player option for the 2029-30 season, providing Reaves with flexibility in the final year of the agreement. The terms were reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirming that the 28-year-old will remain with the team after opting out of his previous contract to test the free agent market.
The structure of the agreement is designed to have no immediate impact on the Lakers’ salary cap flexibility for the upcoming free agency period. According to reports, the team’s projected salary space already accounts for Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold. Consequently, Reaves is expected to sign the contract last, after the Lakers have exhausted their available room to pursue other roster upgrades.
Reaves, who has indicated a preference to stay with the Lakers despite speculation of interest from other teams, averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and shot 49 per cent from the field and 36 per cent from three-point range during the regular season. His scoring output has elevated for the fourth consecutive year, although he was limited to 51 games due to multiple injuries.
The contract announcement follows a recent roster move involving the New York Knicks. On Tuesday, the Lakers and Knicks swapped the rights to the No. 24 and No. 25 picks in the NBA draft, resulting in the Lakers acquiring Cameron Carr, a guard from Baylor University, whom New York had selected at No. 24. This transaction precedes the formalisation of Reaves’ extension, marking a significant step in the team’s free agency strategy.
The agreement solidifies Reaves’ role within the Lakers’ core, aligning with his stated desire to continue his career in Los Angeles. By structuring the deal to fit within existing cap projections, the franchise aims to maintain its ability to strengthen the roster while retaining a key contributor who has consistently improved his statistical output over recent seasons.
