### Austin Reaves Declines $89 Million Extension: A Strategic Move for Future Gains Austin Reaves, the 27-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has made headlines by rejecting a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $89.2 million. This decision comes after a breakout season where he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, establishing himself as a key player for the team. Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021, is currently in the third year of a four-year, $54 million deal and is betting on his potential to secure a more substantial contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The Lakers organization, while disappointed by the rejection, remains optimistic about reaching a future agreement with Reaves, who has expressed his desire to stay with the team despite his decision to decline the extension [https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-rob-pelinka-makes-stance-clear-austin-reaves-lakers-future-declining-89m-extension][https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-rumors-where-austin-reaves-l-a-stand-rejected-contract-offer]. ### Breakdown of Reaves' Decision and Its Implications 1. **Contract Rejection**: Reaves turned down the Lakers' $89.2 million extension, aiming for a more lucrative deal in the future. 2. **Performance Context**: His recent performance has positioned him well for a larger contract, with career-best averages in points, assists, and rebounds. 3. **Future Strategy**: By opting out of the extension, Reaves plans to enter free agency in 2026, where he can negotiate a potentially higher salary. 4. **Team Dynamics**: The Lakers are still interested in retaining Reaves, and his decision is not seen as a sign of discord within the organization. ### Supporting Data on Reaves' Performance and Contract Situation - **Career Averages**: - Points per Game: **20.2** - Assists per Game: **5.8** - Rebounds per Game: **4.5** - Three-Point Shooting Percentage: **37.7%** - **Current Contract**: - Duration: 4 years - Total Value: **$54 million** - Player Option for 2026-27: **$14.9 million** - **Future Outlook**: Reaves is expected to decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to negotiate a maximum contract with the Lakers, who will retain his Bird Rights [https://www.rappler.com/sports/nba/austin-reaves-declines-los-angeles-lakers-extension][https://theubj.com/lakers-guard-austin-reaves-declines-89m-extension-aims-higher]. ### Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for Greater Reward In summary, **Austin Reaves' decision to decline the $89.2 million extension is a strategic move aimed at maximizing his earning potential in the future**. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Reaves is betting on his continued improvement and market value**. 2. **The Lakers remain committed to negotiating with him in the future**. 3. **His performance has set a strong foundation for a more lucrative contract**. 4. **The decision reflects a calculated risk rather than a sign of discontent with the team**. This situation highlights the complexities of contract negotiations in the NBA, where players often weigh immediate financial security against potential future gains [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/los-angeles-lakers-guard-austin-reaves-rejects-89-2m-extension-to-bet-on-bigger-payday/articleshow/122098882.cms][https://nypost.com/2025/06/26/sports/austin-reaves-turns-down-lakers-max-extension-in-stunning-move].