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Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Media Day on September 29, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is not afraid to bet on himself. During Monday’s Media Day, Reaves was asked about reports that he declined a four-year, $89 million contract extension this offseason and is seeking a much more lucrative contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Reaves sent a strong message on his failed contract talks with the Lakers.
“Since I’ve been in high school, college, and even the NBA, I’ve always bet on myself,” Reaves told Spectrum SportsNet. “I have extreme confidence in myself to go out there and provide, and do what I can to help our team be successful. It’s not any different this year. My mindset has not changed. That mindset is to go win — whatever that means for me to do to help this team be successful.”
AR Has Always Bet On Himself
In 2021, Reaves infamously asked teams not to draft him as he wanted to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League team and possibly land a contract with the franchise.
Reaves told “All The Smoke” podcast that the Detroit Pistons were ready to draft him with the No. 42 pick, but he asked them not to select him as they planned to sign him to a two-way deal, rather than a guaranteed roster spot.
His plan worked wonders. After impressing the Lakers in the Summer League and preseason, he landed himself a guranted roster spot with the Purple and Gold.
“I was really trying to put me in a position to, you know, be able to get a roster spot,” Reaves said in 2023. “From 42 and on would have been basically a two-way agreement. So we didn’t have to press and I didn’t really have to hear my name called either.”
Could Earn $40M Contract: Report
Reaves could be in line for a massive payday in 2026, especially if he can continue to ascend this season after his breakout 2024-25 campaign.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Reaves could earn $35-$40M on his next contract, regardless of whether he chooses to stay in Los Angeles or test free agency.
“The Athletic spoke with team and league sources who expect Reaves to earn more than $35 million a year on his next deal, with sources from two teams (neither being the Lakers) speculating that he could command more than $40 million,” wrote Woike.
Reaves told Woike that he intends to remain with the Lakers, but hinted that he will do whatever is best for his career and family.
“I want to be in L.A. I want to continue to play Virginia Country Club on off days,” said the avid golfer. “It’s not like we’re trying to just whack ’em over the head for more money than what I deserve.”
“We just want to get what we feel like I’ve put the work in to get.”
Reaves, who averaged career-highs in points, assists and 3PM last season, is hoping to make his first All-Star team in 2025-26.
“I feel like I could be an All-Star. But all of that is, in my opinion, relative. Thank God I play with Luka [Doncic] and LeBron [James]. And, I wanna win.”
Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan
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