Reeves refuses to renew his contract early, and he will not leave the Lakers without a maximum salary of 200 million yuan. His future playing time may be limited

The latest report by Jowan Buha, a reporter from Los Angeles Times, Austin Reeves rejected the Lakers' four-year, $90 million early contract renewal, seeking a five-year, $200 million maximum salary contract. Reeves' decision undoubtedly widened the distance with the Lakers. General manager Robert Pelinka had to consider trading him, or significantly compressing Reeves' playing time next season, thereby achieving the goal of reducing the price and renewing the contract.

The Lakers' top priority in the offseason to build a team around Doncic and handle LeBron James' short-term contract. Reeves' contract renewal was followed by a more urgent task. Several executives confirmed that Reeves' contract renewal negotiations with the Lakers were not going well. "I'm looking forward to the farce of Reeves' contract renewal, although it won't have much impact on the Lakers." Jowan Buha said, "If Reeves accepts any contract renewal provided by the Lakers, it will be surprising. He does have a chance to get a better offer." In the 2023 offseason, the Spurs considered poaching Reeves from the Lakers. The Lakers' $54 million contract offer forced the Spurs to give up. Two years later, Reeves gets the opportunity to pursue a bigger contract.

This season, Reeves has made great progress, with his playing time in 76 games rising to 34.9 minutes, shooting 46% from the field, shooting percentage of 37.7% from three-pointers per game, and 2.7 of 7.3 shots, and able to score 20.2 points and 5.8 assists. Reeves is indeed qualified to obtain a high salary with this report card. As an older player who has lost the election, there are few opportunities to pursue a maximum salary. If you miss this opportunity, you may not be able to get it again. Reeves' salary this season is $12.98 million, and his performance on the court exceeds expectations for this contract. He will earn $13.94 million next season and will be a player draft of $14.99 million in 2026-27. The initiative in renewal negotiations is currently in the hands of Reeves.

The Lakers can wait until the summer of 2026 to discuss contract renewal with Reeves. Robert Pelinka hopes to complete the contract renewal ahead of schedule this year's offseason. On the one hand, doing so will be beneficial to subsequent player transactions, signings and other work. On the other hand, by the summer of 2026, you will face the risk of losing Reeves in vain. Once Reeves chooses to reject the player option and becomes a free agent, things are not within the control of the Lakers' management, and Pelinka must avoid this situation. However, Reeves' agent Aaron Reilly said they rejected the Lakers' four-year, $90 million early contract renewal and decided to maximize the value of the contract.

"According to the labor-management agreement, the Lakers will not officially provide Reeves with a contract renewal until July 6, but Pelinka and Aaron Reilly can communicate the main terms of the contract in advance, and the two sides have not reached a consensus." Jowan Buha said, "The Lakers gave a quotation of $88 million to $90 million in four years. On average, it is about $22 million to $23 million per season, which is lower than Reeves' market value." As the Lakers' third choice point, Pelinka's offer is fair, but Reeves personally has reason to strive for a better contract based on career considerations.

"I got the news that the Lakers officially proposed a renewal offer and said, 'Hey, this is the most we can offer. We hope you sign this contract and continue to play for the Lakers for the foreseeable future.'" Buha continued, "The Austin team refused to renew the contract and would not sign this contract, and then chose to jump out of the contract after the 2025-26 season and try to get that $200 million maximum salary contract." There is no doubt that Reeves' decision to oppose himself to the Lakers' management. In the NBA league, there is a rift between players and management. Unless you are an irreplaceable superstar like Doncic or James, almost all the players will leave.

In fact, Reeves' playoff performance was lower than the regular season, with a shooting percentage of only 41.1% in 5 games against the Timberwolves, and his three-point shooting percentage also dropped to 31.9%. His offensive efficiency was obviously not high under an average of 14.6 shots per game. "Reeves received a contract extension from the Lakers, but he refused. He would choose to jump out of the contract in 2026, and then he would get a contract, which is likely from the Lakers, but it could be other teams. There will be multiple teams trying to get Reeves." Jowan Buha added, "For the Lakers, you have to give a contract and hope he accepts it, right? But if Austin finally accepts this contract that is lower than his market value, I would be shocked."

Reeves rejects the Lakers' contract renewal, whether there is still a lot of playing time next season and whether it can maintain its outstanding performance this season is unknown. It is not ruled out that Reddick cooperates with the Lakers management to consciously reduce Reeves' playing time. "Reeves has made less money now than he deserves. I think Austin's contract should be signed for more than 120 million in four years, and signing a contract of 88 million to 90 million in four years is a short-sighted and illogical decision." Jowan Buha finally said, "But for the Lakers, giving Reeves a maximum salary contract means it is difficult to introduce another All-Star player to match Doncic."