The Los Angeles Lakers have tough free agent decisions to make regarding LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Moments ago, the front office answered at least one major question.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers plan to sign Reaves to a four-year, $185 million maximum contract. It's a well-deserved raise for Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game this past season.
"The Lakers and Reaves' agents, Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, worked through discussions over the last 10 days after teams were able to negotiate with their own free agents," Charania said. "Reaves lands the richest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history."
Lakers fans are certainly glad Reaves is sticking around for the 2026-27 season and beyond. However, they're a bit worried about what this contract could mean for LeBron's future in Los Angeles.
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A week ago, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Los Angeles was negotiating a deal with James.
Sam Amick of The Athletic, however, recently said the Lakers could potentially lose James if they spend the majority of their money on Reaves.
“I think if Austin gets paid in the kind of way that keeps him in town, then there’s not enough money for LeBron to feel respected, and then I could see him going up the coast and maybe doing the Warriors thing,” Amick said. “So I feel like there’s just not enough money to make all those guys happy with the Lakers.”
As for potential suitors, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have been linked to James since May.
