Austin Reeves ‘not obsessed’ with millions on his next contract

As it is The Los Angeles Lakers continue their strong start to the 2025-26 season with the score 8-3, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin discovered that keeper Austin Reaves he remains focused on winning rather than maximizing his next contract. Despite his breakout campaign and eligibility for a big payday, Reeves is reportedly “not obsessed” with making every possible dollar in his next job.

According to McMenamin’s report, the Lakers met virtually with Reaves and his representatives — agents Aaron Riley and Reggie Berry of AMR — on June 23, the day after the NBA Finals. The 45-minute video conference included Lakers governor Jeannie Bass, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick. During the call, the organization officially offered Reaves a four-year, $89 million contract extension, the maximum they could extend under the collective bargaining agreement.

Reaves and his camp, however, rejected the offer. The decision was expected by both sides, as Pelinka reportedly knew the point guard would test the market for a deal that better reflected his value. Reaves and Redick left the call early, leaving Buss, Pelinka and his agents to discuss the future direction of the team.

Austin Reaves prioritizes winning and loyalty to the Lakers over a big payday

The proposed contract would start at $19.5 million annually – a 2,000% increase over his $925,000 rookie salary after going undrafted and a 40% increase over his salary for 2025-26, the third year of his current four-year, $54 million contract. Even with that jump, the offer would only make him the 24th-highest-paid shooting guard in the league, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Reaves, 27, is eligible for a five-year, $241 million extension with Los Angeles this summer or a four-year, $178.5 million deal elsewhere. Despite the potential financial gain, sources told ESPN that Reeves is not driven by the pursuit of the biggest deal possible, preferring stability and success in Los Angeles.

“I try not to think about it. Honestly,” Reaves told ESPN. “Even though the second extension was declined, that doesn’t mean I’m trying to get a huge number that doesn’t make sense. I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do whatever I can to help this organization be better.”

Reaves’ dominance on the court continues to push LA forward as LeBron James nears his return

Reeves’ stance is at odds with many of his peers in the fast-growing financial environment. Comparable running backs like Jordan Poole and Tyler Hero signed extensions in 2022 that pay them roughly 20% of the salary cap. With the next media rights deal projected to increase the overall salary structure, that same percentage would be about $33 million annually through 2026-27.

Meanwhile, Reaves continues to pitch for Los Angeles. In eight games, he is averaging 30.3 points, nine assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while shooting 48% from the field and 32.4% from three. His leadership has been instrumental in keeping the Lakers competitive as LeBron James recovers from a sciatica injury.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday James was assigned to the South Bay Lakers to participate in his first full practice of the season, including 5-on-5 work, as he continues to strengthen for his return.

The Lakers will continue their five-game road trip on Wednesday night against the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (11-1) at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.