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The Los Angeles Lakers will open their season on Tuesday, hosting the Golden State Warriors as they begin their quest for an 18th championship in franchise history. More news: Lakers Receive Huge Update on Austin Reaves’ Future The Lakers have a solid chance to do just that this season and an even better chance if they were to make a trade or two to tweak their roster. That could happen later this season, but in the meantime, the Lakers have a solid roster that could compete with even the better teams in the league. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to basket with Austin Reaves #15 during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) LA is led by their star trio as the season approaches: Luka Doncic, LeBron James and their fifth-year guard, Austin Reaves. Reaves is their third-best player when everyone is healthy,but entering the season, he will be their second-best player. James will miss the start of the season with sciatica on his right side, so Reaves will need to do all he can to fill the void. All eyes will be on Reaves as he enters the biggest season of his career. He will look to top his play from last season — when the former undrafted rookie averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists across 73 games. If he does just that, Reaves could earn some big money next offseason, but how much exactly? According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, Reaves is projected to earn a five-year, $150 million deal. More news: Warriors Shockingly Cut Ties With Steph Curry’s Brother Ahead of Regular Season 2026-27: $35,000,000 2027-28: $32,200,000 2028-29: $29,400,000 2029-30: $26,600,000 2030-31: $26,600,000 (player option) Total: five years, $149,800,000 “Given that something in the range of $150 million over five years seems fair for Reaves and the Lakers in terms of total value, this structure should be workable. Maybe the Lakers have to go a bit higher in first-year salary, but that shouldn’t be an issue. They’ll have an idea of how far they can go without tripping into tax territory. “The other beneficial part of this structure is that the deal would be extendable. The Lakers could easily extend Reaves off of the $26.6 million he’d be making in 2029-30. He’d be in his early-30s at that point, and a deal that bumps up to $30 million would be fair value, assuming Reaves continues to be a productive player over the next handful of seasons.” The projected contract above is not the only offer the Lakers could make. According to Smith, Reaves could also sign a contract of $240 million over five years if he becomes an unrestricted free agent and if that deal is with the Lakers. Time will tell how this season plays out, but as things stand, Reaves is in a great spot for a mega deal next summer. For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
