Lakers' Austin Reaves receives $40M contract update as rival executives view him in his prime

The Los Angeles Lakers are hopeful for a big summer in free agency, as they have more cap space available than they have had in a long time. The Lakers are looking to build a true championship contender in Los Angeles.

The front office and Rob Pelinka believe this is the summer that can push the Lakers back into championship contention. If this offseason does not help build a legitimate contender, it will be viewed as a major disappointment.

“The Lakers have a megastar in Dončić and a unique amount of potential cap space for a title hopeful this offseason. This summer will go a long way toward determining how well they can build a championship contender around Luka over the next few years,” Silver Screen and Roll’s Bryan Toporek wrote.

Austin Reaves is expected to be the first priority for the Lakers this offseason. He is viewed as a major part of the organization’s future alongside Doncic. However, Reaves did not exactly provide a definitive answer when asked about returning to Los Angeles.

“I'm gonna be honest, I've been around for five years and you guys know me pretty well... I don't think about much. I take life day by day and I'm just blessed to play for this organization... I don't think about what I'm gonna do in the future,” Reaves told the media.

Recently, it was revealed just how much Reaves could command this offseason. The Lakers guard is expected to receive a massive contract considering he is in his prime and there are not many sustainable options available in free agency this summer.

“Rival executives predicted Reaves could command $40 million a season due to a combination of his play, his age and, perhaps most importantly, a free-agent class completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick wrote.

Los Angeles knows it may have to enter a bidding war with several teams this summer. However, teams like the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets could pose the biggest threat to the Lakers.

Reaves is expected to draw interest from multiple organizations, but if his love for Los Angeles is genuine, other teams may simply be trying to drive up his market value. This is shaping up to be a nail-biting offseason until Reaves ultimately makes his decision.

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