The Los Angeles Lakers could not go past the playoffs this season. But despite the not so impressive performance, the team had some positives. And Austin Reaves is one such name. Playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Reaves was pretty impressive. Hitting personal best stats, Reaves had a career best season. Thus, it was quite expected that the Lakers would offer a massive contract extension. But Reaves seems to have other ideas.
In a surprising twist, Austin Reaves has decided to decline his massive contract extension. According to news, the Lakers star was offered a four year, $89.2 contract extension. Now with Reaves deciding to go against it, have left the Lakers with a difficult choice to make.
Austin Reaves has declined a max contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers that would have paid him $89.2 million over four seasons, per @DanWoikeSports
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 26, 2025
(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/JHuA61zOz7
As a matter of fact, Reaves has made a clever call. By declining the extension, he has opened up a new possibility. As per his performance last season, Reaves can earn 25% of a team’s salary cap as an unrestricted free agent. Thus, now the Lakers need to make up their minds whether they are ready to shed the extra amount to keep Reaves. Nonetheless, with Reaves declining the extension, social media was abuzz with all sorts of speculations.
Fans Give Their Honest Opinions On Austin Reaves
As soon as the news went viral, online fans flocked to the comment section.
One fan said, “Austin doesn’t like LA anymore ?!”
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Austin doesn’t like LA anymore ?!
— 🇧🇷Zelia Fabro22🇧🇷 (@zfabrogmailcom) June 26, 2025
Another fan commented, “How is 4 years 89M a max contract in today’s NBA? Thats like 10M a year after LA taxes.”
How is 4 years 89M a max contract in today’s NBA? Thats like 10M a year after LA taxes 😂
— Kale Abe (@kale_abe) June 26, 2025
A third fan stated, “Bold and stupid move. Dude ain’t that good.”
Bold and stupid move. Dude ain’t that good.
— Full time sober🙏🏻 (@Ptrmlln159957) June 26, 2025
This user compared Reaves to Dennis Schroder saying, “Dennis reaves.”
Dennis reaves pic.twitter.com/uQE4zYjOPL
— Fish Middleton (@FishMiddleton22) June 26, 2025
A fan expressed their surprise saying, “Ain’t no way he turned down $20 million+.”
Ain't no way he turned down $20 million+
— Word Smith (@M_A_N_ofLetters) June 26, 2025
An user noted, “AR15 should have taken the money. He won’t get a better deal in the open market.”
AR15 should have taken the money. He won't get a better deal in the open market.
— Kurt Nimphius' Hair (@Hcp1Hcp) June 26, 2025
This fan was optimistic, “He could easily be a $35M+ a year player. That would mean he’s looking for 4 years 140M.”
He could easily be a $35M+ a year player. That would mean he's looking for 4 years 140M.
— Ray Almeda (@rayalmeda) June 26, 2025
Lastly, an user chimed in, saying, “Isn’t he restricted? What could be his incentive to turn down a max?”
Isn’t he restricted? What could be his incentive to turn down a max?
— MoonMatt (@MoonMatt_) June 26, 2025
Thus, with a lot of noises going around, it now remains to be seen how the future pans out for Austin Reaves.
Also Read: Austin Reaves Hints At Lakers Teammate Poised For Major Breakout In 2025-26 Season
