Austin Reaves Poised for Massive Payday After Stellar Early Season Performance
Austin Reaves has been making waves early this NBA season, and his performance is setting him up for what could be a massive offseason payday. Over the first six games, Reaves averaged an impressive 32 points per game, showing that he could carry a significant offensive load when asked. However, as the Lakers have started to get healthier, his scoring average has dipped slightly—not because his talent has faded, but because the team’s stars are returning.
With Luka Doncic back to full health and no longer requiring Reaves to shoulder the bulk of ball-handling responsibilities, the guard’s opportunities to dominate the offense have naturally decreased. LeBron James’ return from injury further impacts Reaves’ shot attempts, as the All-Star forward takes a commanding presence on the court. Since James’ comeback, Reaves has averaged 24 points over two games, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field, although his three-point shooting has struggled at just 2-of-12. He has also contributed across the board with five assists and 15 combined rebounds during these games.
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NBA analysts are confident that Reaves’ numbers will stabilize as he adjusts to sharing the court with James and Doncic. Former All-Star Gilbert Arenas pointed out that Reaves’ shot selection is likely to improve now that he is not the sole offensive focal point. Arenas noted on his show, “Austin Reaves, if you’re averaging 28 while shooting 31 percent from three, you’re going to take better shots now that I’m on the court. His average may dip by three or four points, but he will still secure a big payday this summer.” Kenyon Martin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Reaves’ performance early in the season has already proven his value.
Looking ahead to the offseason, Reaves is expected to decline the Lakers’ player option and enter unrestricted free agency. Projections suggest he could land a five-year contract worth over $240 million if he stays in Los Angeles, or potentially a four-year, $178.5 million deal with another team. Either scenario represents a near quadrupling of his current salary, reflecting the confidence teams have in his abilities.
Despite the slight dip in scoring now that James and Doncic are back, Reaves’ early-season showing as a primary option has cemented his reputation as a highly valuable player. It’s clear that his skill, versatility, and proven scoring ability have put him on track for a major financial reward in the upcoming offseason. Austin Reaves is not just making his mark on the court; he’s securing his place among the NBA’s elite earners.
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