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Given how great a player Austin Reaves has been after being an undrafted free agent, it’s no question that he’s been performing well above his contract throughout his career.
However, that might not be true for much longer. Reaves is expected to decline his player option and become
an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given that he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game this past season and has improved each year, a player of his caliber becoming available in free agency makes him a hot commodity.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, how much should the Lakers pay Austin Reaves?
There are already reports indicating that a team like the Nets could be interested and possibly offer Reaves a four-year, $178.5 million contract. That would make Reaves a player making $44.6 millon per year, so perhaps LA will have no choice but to pay that kind of number to retain Reaves.
However, all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, especially as we enter free agency. Until negotiations begin, we don’t know whether interest will turn into action.
Regardless of the Nets’ or any other team’s interest, the Lakers have to figure out what type of deal they want to offer Reaves.
Obviously, the lowest salary possible would be ideal. But if another franchise offers more, LA might have to pay up and get closer to max money.
That would typically limit a team’s ability to make other moves, but given that Reaves’ cap hold this year will be approximately $20.9 million, LA can still pay him and bolster its roster.
Also, while reports with such big numbers attached to Reaves are out there, he has consistently said he isn’t just looking to make as much money as possible. So yes, Reaves will get a raise, but maybe it won’t be for simply the largest amount of money from the highest bidder.
The general expectation is still that Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers. But what number makes the most sense? What rewards him without being insulting, while still allowing the Lakers to continue building the team so they can be contenders?
Trade or keep the pick?
Our other question this week involves the Lakers’ draft pick and whether they should trade or keep it. As things currently stand, LA will select No. 25 in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Lakers have shown a willingness to deal their first-rounders, but the bar is high.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has consistently stated he’d trade first-round picks if it could create sustainable Lakers excellence. If a deal can be made to bring in an impactful player, perhaps that’s better for the Lakers than anyone available at No. 25.
The counterpoint, though, is that the draft is the place to get young, cost-controlled players, and the Lakers need to take advantage of that.
The Lakers hired former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor, and it’d be a shame if he didn’t get a chance at helping LA select a player in the first.
But late in the draft, it’s also hard to find good players. Jalen Hood-Schifino was taken by LA at No. 17 in the 2023 draft and is now out of the league. Dalton Knecht was also selected No. 17 back in 2024, and he can’t crack the rotation.
So, with the Lakers trying to win with Luka, the argument can be made that it’s better to get rid of those picks for impactful players now than to hope a prospect can grow into a role.
But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below and in the poll above.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
