Overview

• Luka Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million max extension with a player option for 2028-29, cementing his role as the Lakers’ long-term cornerstone.
• Austin Reaves formally declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension to become eligible next summer for either a five-year, $247 million max deal with Los Angeles or a four-year, $183 million contract elsewhere.
• NBA executives predict Reaves will command at least $30 million per season in 2026 and expect him to re-sign with the Lakers as Doncic’s primary backcourt partner.
• Lakers president Rob Pelinka has emphasized maintaining salary-cap flexibility to enable win-now roster upgrades and position the franchise for potential star signings in 2027 under the new CBA.
• LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26, ensuring veteran leadership for one more season before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026.