Grading Austin Reaves' massive $185M contract to stick with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers secured their biggest free agent of the offseason. And no, it's not LeBron James.

Austin Reaves is planning to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract to remain with the Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. He reportedly has a player option for 2029-30 after declining his $14.9 million player option for this upcoming season.

It's been a gradual improvement to stardom for Reaves. The former Oklahoma star went undrafted in 2021 and signed a two-way deal with the Lakers. He's since increased his scoring output each season and has become a full-time starter over the last two campaigns.

Reaves is coming off his best season yet. He averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds as the running mate to Luka Dončić, though the Lakers' season ended with a first-round sweep by the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Is Austin Reaves worth the huge contract?

Absolutely. He's a solid shooter and the perfect secondary ball-handler to Dončić. With James potentially leaving town, Reaves could have even more of an opportunity to showcase what he can do offensively. He's also no slouch on defense, as he's averaged over a steal per game the last two seasons.

Grade: B+