With Luka Doncic locked in through at least 2028, the Los Angeles Lakers have secured their biggest offseason objective.

The franchise signed Doncic to a three-year, $165 million contract extension on Sunday, ensuring the five-time All-Star remains the centerpiece of their future after acquiring him from the Dallas Mavericks in February.

But even with that deal finalized, the Lakers have another major decision looming—what to do about rising star guard Austin Reaves, who continues to establish himself as a key figure in the team’s long-term plans.

Reaves is coming off a breakout 2024-25 season and now approaches restricted free agency in 2026—putting the Lakers in position to either re-sign him or risk watching him leave in search of a bigger payday.

Austin Reaves Declined Lakers’ Extension Offer

Austin Reaves has become one of the Lakers’ most reliable players since joining the team as an undrafted rookie in 2021. This past season, he averaged a career-best 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field in 73 games. He also made 200 three-pointers—among the highest single-season totals in franchise history.

Earlier in the offseason, Reaves declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension, the most the Lakers could offer under the CBA. The decision wasn’t viewed as a sign of disinterest in staying, but rather a strategic move. Reaves plans to play out his current contract, decline his 2026-27 player option, and test free agency in search of a higher payday.

Austin Reaves Expected to Re-sign With the Lakers

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, league executives believe Reaves will command well above $30 million annually:

“‘I think he will get $30 [million] plus,’ one executive told ESPN, echoing multiple front office sources who were asked about the next deal Reaves could command,” Marks wrote. “The expectation, from both that executive and others, is that Reaves ultimately will return to Los Angeles, which would cement Reaves’ role as the long-term running mate next to Doncic in L.A.’s backcourt — the role once held by [Jalen] Brunson then [Kyrie] Irving in Dallas.”

If Reaves stays, it means continuity for a backcourt pairing already showing chemistry and growing into a natural fit alongside Doncic. Reaves has publicly expressed his desire to remain in Los Angeles, repeatedly stating his love for the city, fans, and organization—even while maneuvering for a larger contract.

Still, the unpredictability of today’s NBA cannot be overstated. If another team offers a max deal in free agency next summer, the Lakers may be forced to either match it or risk losing a core piece. While the Lakers now have Doncic for at least three more seasons, Reaves’ next deal could be a defining moment in the Lakers’ effort to build a sustainable contender around their new franchise cornerstone.