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13h ago

Luka Doncic Extension Shapes Lakers’ Future as Austin Reaves Bets on Next Summer’s Max Deal

By preserving cap optionality around Doncic’s new deal, the Lakers have set the stage for Reaves to pursue a significantly larger contract in 2026

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LeBron James and Savannah James attend the Women's basketball quarterfinal game between Team United States and Team Nigeria on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 07 2024 in Paris, France.
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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.