The Los Angeles Lakers may have received a major boost in their efforts to retain Austin Reaves, as a new report suggests winning — not just money — will play a central role in his looming free agency decision.
According to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Reaves is expected to weigh team success heavily as he evaluates his next contract.
“League sources say winning will be a significant factor in Reaves’ thinking,” Woike and Amick reported.
That development is particularly encouraging for the Lakers, who are positioning themselves as contenders built around Luka Dončić and a core that includes Reaves.
Austin Reaves Free Agency Could Reach $241 Million Decision
Reaves is widely expected to decline his $14.8 million player option for the 2026–27 season and enter unrestricted free agency, where he could command a maximum contract worth five years and $241 million from the Lakers.
Rival teams, however, would be limited to offering four years and $178.5 million.
That financial gap gives Los Angeles a structural advantage — but not necessarily a decisive one.
Reaves’ mindset suggests money alone may not determine his future.
Following the Lakers’ second-round exit, Reaves remained non-committal about his plans.
“I’m gonna be honest. Like I said, I’ve been around for five years. Y’all, I would say know me pretty well… But I don’t think about much. I take life day-by-day, and I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization,” Reaves said.
“I play a kid’s game; I make good money. Like I said, I don’t think about what I’m really gonna do in the future. I’m just day-by-day.”
Austin Reaves Market Value Rising Toward $40 Million Per Year
Reaves’ value has surged after a breakout campaign.
Woike and Amick reported that rival executives believe he could command as much as $40 million annually, citing his production, age and a relatively thin free-agent class.
The 26-year-old is coming off a career-best season, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. He also posted a career-high 2.3 made 3-pointers per game in 51 appearances.
Those numbers have solidified him as one of the top available guards in free agency.
Bulls, Nets Could Challenge Lakers for Reaves
Teams with cap space could still test the Lakers’ resolve.
According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, the Chicago Bulls are projected to have approximately $54 million in cap space this summer, while the Brooklyn Nets could have around $34 million with flexibility to create more.
Both teams have needs at guard and could view Reaves as a foundational piece.
However, both franchises remain in rebuilding phases — a key contrast with Los Angeles.
Luka Dončić Makes Feelings Clear on Austin Reaves
GettyLuka Dončić and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers during a playoff game.
The Lakers’ biggest advantage may come from within.
According to Woike and Amick, Dončić has made it clear he wants to continue playing alongside Reaves.
“Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves,” they reported.
That belief reportedly extends beyond preference.
“Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo,” the report added.
Winning Could Decide Austin Reaves’ Lakers Future
As free agency approaches, Reaves’ decision is shaping up to be one of the most important storylines for the Lakers.
While Chicago and Brooklyn may offer significant financial opportunities, Los Angeles can counter with a contending roster, star alignment and organizational stability.
If winning proves to be the deciding factor, the Lakers may ultimately have the edge even in a market where Reaves is poised to command one of the league’s most lucrative deals.
Austin Reaves’ Free Agency Just Took a Turn — Lakers Get Good News