What Happened to Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves has transformed from an undrafted free agent in 2021 into a pivotal shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, known for his clutch play and consistent scoring. After signing a four-year, $54 million contract in 2023, he has continued to elevate his game, particularly during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, establishing himself as a key offensive threat alongside superstars like Luka DonΔiΔ and LeBron James. As of March 2026, Reaves is having a career-best season and is expected to command a max or near-max contract in the upcoming free agency, with the Lakers reportedly preparing a five-year, $240 million offer to retain him.
Quick Answer
Austin Reaves is currently a star shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, enjoying a career-best 2025-26 NBA season where he is averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He recently made headlines in March 2026 for his clutch performances, including an intentional missed free throw leading to a game-tying basket against the Denver Nuggets. Reaves is widely expected to decline his player option for the 2026-27 season and become an unrestricted free agent, with reports indicating the Lakers are preparing a five-year, $240 million contract offer to secure his long-term future with the team.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline15 events
College Career-High 41 Points
While playing for Oklahoma, Reaves recorded a career-high 41 points, six assists, and five rebounds in a 78β76 win over TCU, leading a 19-point second-half comeback.
Undrafted in NBA Draft
Austin Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, reportedly declining an offer from the Detroit Pistons to pursue a two-way contract with the Lakers.
Signs Two-Way Contract with Lakers
Reaves signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning his professional career.
Signed to Standard NBA Contract
His strong preseason performance led the Lakers to convert his two-way deal into a standard NBA contract.
NBA Debut
Reaves made his NBA debut, scoring eight points off the bench in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Hits Game-Winning 3-Pointer
Reaves hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his clutch potential early in his career.
Career-High 35 Points
Reaves scored a then-career-high 35 points with six rebounds and six assists against the Orlando Magic, scoring the Lakers' final 10 points.
Re-signs with Lakers (4-year, $54M)
Reaves re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $54 million contract, a significant commitment after his breakout season.
Wins Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament
Reaves and the Lakers won the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament, with Reaves scoring 28 points off the bench in the championship game.
Records First Career Triple-Double
Playing without LeBron James, Reaves achieved a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a double-overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Career-High 45 Points
Reaves scored a then-career-high 45 points in a 124-117 win over the Indiana Pacers, joining elite Lakers company.
New Career-High 51 Points
Reaves set a new career-high with 51 points, along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists, in a 127-120 victory against the Sacramento Kings.
Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater
Reaves hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating floater and finished with 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists in a 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Clutch Free Throw Play vs. Nuggets
Reaves intentionally missed a free throw, rebounded his own shot, and hit a game-tying floater with 1.9 seconds left to force overtime in a 127-125 win against the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers Reportedly Prepare $240M Offer
Reports indicate the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing a five-year, $240 million contract offer for Austin Reaves, who is expected to decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Austin Reaves' journey to NBA stardom is a testament to perseverance and continuous improvement. After playing college basketball for Wichita State and Oklahoma, Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, a significant turning point that fueled his determination. He initially signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2021, quickly earning a standard NBA contract by September of the same year. His rookie season saw flashes of potential, including a game-winning three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks in December 2021.
The 2022-23 season marked Reaves' breakout, where he solidified his role as a reliable scorer and playmaker, particularly excelling in clutch situations. This strong performance led to him re-signing with the Lakers on a four-year, $54 million contract in July 2023, a deal that was seen as a significant commitment to the undrafted guard. He continued his upward trajectory in the 2023-24 season, contributing to the Lakers' inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament championship in December 2023 and recording his first career triple-double in March 2024.
The 2024-25 season saw Reaves further establish himself as a primary offensive option, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 73 games. He achieved a then-career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers in February 2025, demonstrating his expanded scoring repertoire.
As of the 2025-26 season, Reaves has reached new heights, averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game through March 2026. A notable highlight includes a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings in October 2025 and a game-winning floater against the Minnesota Timberwolves later that month. His clutch heroics continued into March 2026, where he executed a perfect intentional missed free throw to secure his own rebound and hit a game-tying floater against the Denver Nuggets, propelling the Lakers to an overtime victory. This performance underscores his growth into a high-IQ, high-pressure player.
CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-03-17: Austin Reaves is in the midst of his most productive NBA season, playing a crucial role for the Los Angeles Lakers. He holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, which he is widely expected to decline to enter unrestricted free agency. Multiple reports from March 2026 indicate that the Lakers are prepared to offer Reaves a substantial five-year, $240 million contract to ensure he remains with the franchise, signaling their confidence in him as a cornerstone player for the future. Despite sharing usage with other stars, Reaves has consistently delivered, proving his value as a versatile guard capable of scoring, facilitating, and performing in critical moments.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Austin Reaves made different choices?