Austin Reaves, the rising star of the Los Angeles Lakers, has quickly become a household name among basketball fans.
His journey from being an undrafted rookie to a vital contributor on one of the NBA’s most iconic teams is nothing short of inspiring. Among the many discussions about Reaves’ career, one question stands out: What is Austin Reaves‘ salary? Let’s delve into his financial growth and explore the factors behind his current earnings.
What is Austin Reaves’ Salary?
Austin Reaves’ salary has become a topic of interest for many NBA fans and analysts, especially given his rapid rise from an undrafted rookie to a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Let’s delve into the details of his current contract and salary structure.
The Rise of Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has quickly become a fan favorite and a crucial player for the Los Angeles Lakers. His journey from an undrafted rookie to a key contributor on a championship-contending team is nothing short of remarkable. Reaves’ stellar performance, particularly during the 2022-23 season and playoffs, led to a substantial pay raise and long-term commitment from the Lakers.
Austin Reaves’ Contract Details
In 2023, Reaves signed a four-year, $53,827,872 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. This deal, which runs through the 2026-27 season, includes:
- A $53,827,872 guarantee
- An average annual salary of $13,456,968
- A player option for the 2026-27 season
- A 15% trade kicker
Here’s a breakdown of Reaves’ salary structure:
| Season | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $12,015,150 |
| 2024-25 | $12,976,362 |
| 2025-26 | $13,937,574 |
| 2026-27 | $14,898,786 (Player Option) |
Salary Cap Impact
Austin Reaves’ salary has a significant impact on the Lakers’ salary cap situation. For the 2024-25 season:
- His salary represents 9.23% of the team’s salary cap
- It accounts for 7.60% of the luxury tax threshold
These figures demonstrate the Lakers’ commitment to Reaves and their belief in his potential to contribute at a high level.
Performance and Value
To understand the value of Austin Reaves’ salary, it’s essential to look at his on-court performance. In the 2024-25 season (as of January 21, 2025), Reaves is averaging:
- 18.5 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 6.1 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
These statistics show significant improvement from his previous seasons and justify the Lakers’ investment in him.
Comparison to Other NBA Contracts
To put Austin Reaves’ salary in perspective, it’s helpful to compare it to other NBA players:
- For the 2024-25 season, Reaves is the 123rd highest-paid player in the NBA.
- He is the 59th highest-paid guard in the league.
- On the Lakers, he is the 5th highest-paid player.
This positioning indicates that while Reaves is well-compensated, his contract still provides good value for the Lakers given his production and potential.
Contract Negotiations and the Arenas Provision
The negotiation of Austin Reaves’ contract was complicated by the Arenas Provision, which applies to certain restricted free agents. This provision limited how much other teams could offer Reaves in the first two years of a new contract, but allowed for significant jumps in salary for years three and four.
The Lakers used their Early Bird Rights to re-sign Reaves, which allowed them to exceed the salary cap to keep him. This move demonstrated the team’s commitment to retaining their young talent and building for the future.
Future Implications
Austin Reaves’ salary structure has important implications for both him and the Lakers:
- Player Option: Reaves has a player option for the 2026-27 season, giving him flexibility to potentially become a free agent earlier if he outperforms his contract.
- Trade Value: The 15% trade kicker in his contract could make him more difficult to trade, indicating the Lakers’ intention to keep him long-term.
- Cap Space: As Reaves’ salary increases each year, it will take up a larger portion of the Lakers’ cap space, potentially affecting their ability to sign other free agents.
Takeaways
So, what is Austin Reaves’ salary? In 2025, Austin Reaves earns approximately $12 million annually under his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His rise from an undrafted rookie to a multi-million-dollar earner is a remarkable journey that underscores his talent and dedication.
As Reaves continues to develop and contribute to the Lakers’ success, his salary is likely to increase in the coming years. For now, his earnings reflect his status as one of the NBA’s most promising young players and a key piece of the Lakers’ future.
