Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lakers lock up Austin Reaves with $185 M deal.

6/25/2026

34 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Reaves Re-signs

Austin Reaves re-signed with the Lakers on a $185 million deal after declining his $14.9 million option.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season despite injuries.
GM Rob Pelinka said the extension was decided and Reaves wants to stay in Los Angeles.
The Lakers traded a pick for No. 24 pick Cameron Carr, were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder and finished with a rating of 115.5, no 2026 draft picks.

Summary

Reaves Returns

Reaves returned from an oblique and calf strain to play in the playoffs, averaging 20 points per game.
After Pelinka said Reaves’ odyssey will continue, Luka Doncic advocated keeping Reaves, influencing the Lakers’ decision.
The Lakers will spend remaining cap space on a center upgrade and a wing player this summer.
Unrestricted free agents Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes, and Deandre Ayton’s $8.1 million option, will shape the roster.

History

Historical Context

After the 204-day 1998–99 NBA lockout ended on Jan 20 1999, a new CBA gave players 57 % of basketball-related income and introduced a salary-cap system that shaped team building. Leveraging that framework, the Los Angeles Lakers secured star contracts, culminating in 2024 when they re-signed guard Austin Reaves to a multi-year deal under the same cap rules.

1 of 3

Reaves Re-signs

Austin Reaves re-signed with the Lakers on a $185 million deal after declining his $14.9 million option.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season despite injuries.
GM Rob Pelinka said the extension was decided and Reaves wants to stay in Los Angeles.
The Lakers traded a pick for No. 24 pick Cameron Carr, were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder and finished with a rating of 115.5, no 2026 draft picks.

1 / 3