The Los Angeles Lakers know Austin Reaves will decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but turning down the franchise’s top offer on a new contract may be for the best. Both sides want a reunion, but the Lakers can’t offer a five-year max contract. Los Angeles can give him more than any other team. They have the edge, but Reaves isn’t a $45 million per year player. If AR can get a max offer elsewhere, the Lakers should let him walk.
The purple and gold never struggle to find superstars. They traded for Luka Doncic, acquired LeBron James in free agency, and even had Anthony Davis demanding a trade to come to LA. Instead of overpaying Reaves, the Lakers would be better off searching for a superstar. Fans know every dollar counts in the second apron era. It is all about finding the right deal for Reaves. If he wants more and can find it elsewhere, Los Angeles should move on.
The Lakers want to build a title contender around Doncic. They clearly need more talent to make that happen. Reaves is a $30-40 million per year option. If LA can get him in that range, they should pounce. If AR wants to maximize his earnings, the Lakers should let him go elsewhere.
Austin Reaves turning down the Lakers may be exactly what LA needs
This has happened to Luka before. Jalen Brunson blossomed into his co-star in Dallas, but got a massive offer from the Knicks in free agency that he couldn’t refuse. Brunson has become a superstar, and Doncic led the Mavs to the NBA Finals in 2024. It can work for both sides.
The Lakers would love to get Reaves on another bargain contract, and it may be possible. Only rebuilding teams are projected to have significant cap space this summer. If AR wants to stay in contention, he should return to the Lakers. Ideally, it is closer to $30 million per year than $40 million, but that is wishful thinking.
If Reaves can get a four-year max contract from the Bulls or Jazz, the Lakers shouldn’t try to match it. Let him turn down LA’s best offer and go elsewhere.
Reaves is a flawed player. He has become an elite scorer, but fans saw his turnover and playmaking issues hurting Los Angeles in the playoffs. AR is best as the number two option. He struggles on the defensive end and needs the right pieces around him to maximize his success.
The Lakers would have no qualms about chasing Giannis or the next superstar who becomes available if Reaves walks in free agency. It could let them put another alpha next to Luka as they look to build a serious title contender for years to come.
Reaves is a star, but he isn’t a top 20 player in the world. The purple and gold love to get marquee talent. If AR decides to chase a max contract, the Lakers would happily look to upgrade on that spot after his departure.
Austin Reaves turning down the Los Angeles Lakers could be the best thing for both parties. He has become a star and deserves an enormous contract. The Lakers had interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline and would love to put a true superstar around Luka Doncic. Reaves chasing every dollar in free agency opens the door for LA to upgrade. It could work out perfectly.
Reaves must partner with the Lakers if he wants to stay. They can’t give him a max contract and be a serious title contender for years to come. The ball is certainly in AR’s court, and the franchise must let him walk if he demands the max. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.
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