The Best Contract in the League: Why Austin Reaves Is a Steal for the Lakers
Austin Reaves has emerged as one of the best third options in the league this season. His ability to score, pass, and contribute defensively next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic has made him a crucial player this season. Along with that, the Lakers are cashing in on a great deal for four years, $53.8 million that they signed him to in 2023. In a game today where role players have commanded significantly higher pay, Reaves' deal stands out as one of the most team-friendly in the NBA. His contract has also provided the Lakers with valuable financial flexibility, allowing them to continue to build their roster with more role players like Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent.
Reaves' contract averages out at about $13.4 million per year, placing him outside the top 130 of current NBA contracts. Despite this, he has posted great numbers, averaging 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. When comparing him to other third options in the league, consider Desmond Bane, who averages 18.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists but earns $39.4 million annually. Bradley Beal, who averages 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, makes $50.2 million per year. Finally, Kristaps Porzingis, who averages 19.4 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, earns $30 million annually. Reaves’ production at a fraction of the cost highlights just how valuable his contract is for the Lakers.
We have seen Reaves shine when he has had to step up because of an injury. In the nine games this season without LeBron, he’s been putting up 27.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. His being able to step into the spotlight and contribute like that is one of his most underrated and best skills, making him even more valuable. Especially since the Lakers would prefer LeBron to rest as much as possible during games down the stretch with his age. Having a player like Austin makes you not worry as much about resting James, plus, he’s been healthy, only missing eight games in the past two seasons. A great saying in sports is “The best ability is availability.”
The Spurs and Reaves were interested in each other during the 2023 free agency. They could have used their cap space not just to add talent but also to hurt the Lakers. By structuring an offer sheet for him with a back-loaded salary, since he was a restricted free agent, San Antonio could have forced the Lakers to let him walk or pay a high price. However, Los Angeles capitalized on the lack of an offer and secured a very team-friendly deal that the Spurs surely regret not offering now. His contract runs through 2026 with a player option. It would be surprising if he picked up that last year, as he will likely want to cash in on his strong performances and secure a bigger deal. From undrafted to a prominent name in the league, he is currently having the best stretch of his career, coming off back-to-back 30-point games with LeBron and Luka in the lineup. He hopes to continue in this form and pursue a championship this season and a bigger contract in the future.
