LOS ANGELES — Fewer than six months after he first joined the Lakers, Austin Reaves joined three-point shooting drills at the behest of LeBron James following an October 2021 practice. At that time, Reaves was an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma who had bet on himself rather than accept a possible second-round selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. That moment of a future Hall-of-Famer taking a young guard under his wing was just the beginning of a remarkable ascent.
“Seeing AR grow over these five years has been nothing short of amazing,” James said recently. “He’s a hard worker. He loves the game. He wants to get better and he’s not afraid of constructive criticism. I saw the talent, but also saw that he was willing to put in the work and wasn’t afraid of the moment.”
Now, five years later, the 27-year-old guard has enjoyed a career-best season across the board, averaging 23.3 points on 49% shooting from the field. He surpassed James as the definitive second-leading scorer behind Luka Doncic late in the season. Yet as the Lakers were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Reaves stands at a critical crossroads. He is widely expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent for the first time. A five-year, $241 million max-level contract could be waiting if he re-signs with Los Angeles.
The Undrafted Journey
Reaves’ path to the NBA was far from conventional. After a standout college career at Oklahoma, where he averaged 18.3 points and 5.5 assists as a senior, he went undrafted in 2021. Rather than settle for a two-way contract, he chose to sign a two-way deal with the Lakers after impressing in individual workouts. Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka recalled a pivotal workout in El Segundo: “I remember being here with my son on that court watching that. It was one of the turning points of getting him here — just that workout and how he approached it. He was exhausted but mustered the strength to put on an incredible showcase.”
Reaves quickly earned a standard contract and carved out a rotation role. He became known for his basketball IQ, crafty finishing, and clutch shooting. In his playoff debut in 2023, he averaged 16.9 points while helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals. That performance earned him a four-year, $53.8 million contract in the summer of 2023 — a deal that now looks like a massive bargain.
A Career Year
The 2025-26 season was a breakout for Reaves. He started 68 of 72 games, posting career highs in points, assists (5.8), and rebounds (4.9). His true shooting percentage hovered around 60%, and he became a legitimate third option alongside Doncic and James. When James missed games due to rest or injury, Reaves shouldered the scoring load, dropping 40 points on multiple occasions. His growth as a playmaker was evident, as he averaged a career-best 5.8 assists and cut down turnovers.
“He’s really developed his game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He’s not just a scorer; he’s a leader. He commands respect in the locker room and on the floor. His growth in leadership has been just as important as his statistical improvement.”
Yet the season was also marked by injuries. Reaves missed 10 games with a left calf strain in January, then suffered a left oblique strain in late March that forced him out of the regular-season finale and most of the first round of the playoffs. He returned for the second round against Oklahoma City but was clearly limited, averaging 17.8 points on 43% shooting as the Lakers were swept.
The Bond with LeBron
Throughout his journey, Reaves has maintained a close relationship with LeBron James. The two share a passion for golf, with Reaves even hosting a YouTube channel called “Hillbilly Bogey.” James picked up the sport recently, strengthening their bond off the court. “Man, it would mean the world to me to continue playing with him,” Reaves said after the playoff exit. “I don’t know anything different. My rookie year, I had no idea what was going on, and he basically took me under his wing and gave me every opportunity I could ask for.”
James, who is also an unrestricted free agent this summer, has not announced his plans. He could retire, re-sign with the Lakers, or join another team. His decision will heavily influence Reaves’ own choice, as the young guard has expressed a desire to remain with James. “We’ve built a real friendship,” Reaves added. “He’s taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career.”
Free Agency Decision
Reaves’ player option deadline is June 29. All indications are he will decline it and test the open market. The Lakers can offer a five-year deal starting at a projected $41.6 million in 2026-27, escalating to $53 million in the final year, totaling about $241 million. Other teams can offer four years and about $179 million. Given the Lakers’ cap situation, re-signing Reaves would be their top priority, but they also need to manage the contracts of Doncic and possibly James.
“Both sides have made it abundantly clear that they want to continue the relationship,” Pelinka said. “Austin started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker.”
However, the Lakers’ roster decisions will be complex. If James opts out or retires, the team could pivot to building around Doncic and Reaves. If James returns on a large salary, the Lakers will have limited financial flexibility. Reaves’ contract could be structured in a way that provides some relief, such as a front-loaded deal or one with bonuses.
Potential suitors for Reaves include teams with cap space like the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons, all of whom could offer a max contract. The Lakers can offer more total money and the comfort of a familiar system. Reaves’ agent will likely gauge the market before a decision is made.
Injury Concerns and Long-Term Outlook
The injuries this season have raised some questions about Reaves’ durability. He missed 17 games total, and the oblique strain in particular is a concern for a player who relies on quick changes of direction and shooting. However, Reaves downplayed the issue: “I always feel like there are opportunities to continue to grow. You’re never going to be complete. I’ll take some time off, get back in the gym, and continue to get better.”
His work ethic is well-documented. Teammates and coaches praise his dedication to film study and skill development. He has improved his three-point shooting each season, reaching 38.2% this year, and his defensive awareness has progressed. At 27, he is entering his prime years, making a long-term investment reasonable.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers’ front office faces a pivotal summer. Adding a max contract for Reaves, while also dealing with James’s decision and Doncic’s extension (he signed a supermax last summer), will test their salary management. The team also needs to address depth at center and wing. If Reaves re-signs, the core of Doncic, Reaves, and a potentially returning James would keep the Lakers in contention, provided they stay healthy. Without James, the team would rely heavily on Doncic and Reaves to carry the load.
For Reaves, the decision is about more than money. “I want to win,” he said. “That’s the most important thing. I’ve been in a great situation here. I’ve grown as a player and a person. I’m excited for whatever comes next, but I know what I have in L.A.”
As the NBA world awaits June 29, Reaves’ journey from an undrafted rookie to a potential $241 million man is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Whether he remains in purple and gold or starts anew, his story is far from over. The crossroads he faces could define the next chapter of his career and the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
Source: Orange County Register News