Austin Reeves’ ‘base’ value is expected to be $30 million per new contract

As it is The Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) prepare for Friday night’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (3-2), a new ESPN report suggests that guard Austin Reaves he could be in line for one of the most lucrative contracts among non-All-Stars in the NBA.

According to Team Bontemps and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, league sources believe Reaves’ next contract will begin no later than $30 million per season.

“There is a belief around the league that $30 million per year is the absolute baseline for Reaves’ services,” the report said. “Right now, 59 NBA players make at least that much.”

The 27-year-old guard has become the Lakers’ most productive player through the opening weeks of the 2025-26 season. committed a foul in the absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Reaves’ rise from undrafted free agent to potential nine-figure contract receiver highlights his rapid rise within the organization and the league as a whole.

Reaves is currently averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game through five appearances while shooting 52.5 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three and 89.7 percent from the free throw line. His breakthrough performance positioned him not only as the Lakers’ leading scorer, but also as one of the most valuable players on the perimeter of the Western Conference.

Austin Reaves’ historic start boosts his value as the Lakers eye a long-term deal

Another league executive told ESPN that Reaves’ current pace could slow down once James returns from a sciatica injury, but he expects both sides to prioritize a long-term deal.

“I don’t think they’re going to keep this pace because LeBron is going to take away touches,” the executive said. But he’s good and the Lakers intend to keep him and he intends to stay, so I guess it’s going to get done.

According to NBA salary cap projections, Reaves would be eligible for a four-year contract worth about $180 million with another team in free agency next summer. However, the Lakers could explore a five-year extension for a higher overall value to ensure he stays in Los Angeles long-term.

Reaves’ performance has already put him in rare company among Lakers guards. Earlier this week, he became the first since Kobe Bryant in 2005 to open the season with five straight 25-point games — a feat that highlights his scoring consistency and importance to the team’s success.

James and Doncic are expected to return in November, which should lighten the offensive load for Reaves. Still, his emergence as the Lakers’ most reliable option in their absence has strengthened his case for a big payday and confirmed his role as a fundamental part of the team’s future.

The Lakers will look to build on their early season momentum when they face the Grizzlies on Friday at 9:30 PM ET on Prime Video before returning home on Sunday to host the Miami Heat (3-2).