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The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up Austin Reaves with an unprecedented extension in NBA history. Reaves went undrafted in his class, but in the last few years, he has established quite an identity for himself in the league.
The Lakers recognized that hustle and broke the undrafted barrier to sign him to a four-year, $185 million extension, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal that includes a player option for the 2029-30 season made Reaves the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history.
Before Reaves, the undrafted player to hold that distinction was Duncan Robinson, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Miami Heat in 2021. And before Robinson, Fred VanVleet signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Toronto Raptors in 2020.
Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract to return to the franchise, with a player option for the final season in 2029-30, sources tell @shamscharania.
Reaves lands the richest contract for an undrafted player in… pic.twitter.com/jsdIHdOkaJ
Reaves didn't hear his name called on the draft night in 2021. He joined the Lakers on a two-way contract, earned a standard NBA deal within few months and turned himself into an important role player for the franchise. He has now become the inspiration for many who were disappointed in the 2026 draft.
MORE: New Lakers’ Austin Reaves update shows Los Angeles could actually lose young star
Austin Reaves' Lakers contract details
Austin Reaves' latest extension will see the Lakers guard earn an average of $46.25 million per season. It is a massive leap for the undrafted player, who was on a four-year, $54 million contract. Credit to Reaves, as he declined the $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, giving way for the extension to be realized later.
The deal reflects Lakers' belief in Reaves, who seemingly struggled with injuries last season. He played just 51 regular season games but was excellent when on court, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per contest.
Reaves will now be burdened with more responsibility as the Lakers are in the middle of a massive transition with superstar Luka Doncic and uncertain future revolving around LeBron James.
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