Austin Reaves DECLINED to get drafted to play alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis at Lakers

Reaves shares how his decision to go undrafted led him to land a $50 million contract.

Austin Reaves DECLINED to get drafted to play alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis at Lakers

Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Credits: Bleacher Report and ESPN)

Austin Reaves emerged as a significant offensive revelation for the Los Angeles Lakers during their playoff run last season. However, his journey to success was far from conventional. The 25-year-old had to face the challenge of going undrafted, leading him to bet on himself and prove his worth. Despite the initial setback, Reaves opted for a two-way deal with the Lakers, seizing the opportunity to showcase his skills.

Reaves had his break-out season last year after taking up the ball-handling duties following Russell Westbrook’s departure in February. In a span of a few months, the Arkansas native earned a starting spot alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Reaves offensive and defensive productions proved crucial in helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals.

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Austin Reaves recently shared how he landed at the Lake Show on the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast. “I knew what I was capable of doing. You know, the skillset, IQ, stuff like that. So it was really just about, my agency put me in a good position to have all of that,” the Lakers’ guard added, “We could’ve gotten drafted 42nd to Detroit, but kind of declined that to put me in LA for a better spot.”

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Reaves could have opted to go with Detroit back in 2021, but his agents prompted him to go for the bigger market in Los Angeles. Two years following his signing with the Lakers, the risk duly paid off for him. He recently signed an exorbitant contract with the team, a huge leap from being undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft.

After Rob Pelinka decided to part ways with Russell Westbrook, Reaves became their main ball-handler. The two-way shooting guard also became one of the team’s best shooters, knocking down the 3-ball at a high clip of 38%.

His offensive efficiency earned him the nickname ‘AR-15’. Austin Reaves averaged 16.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in the playoffs. He is currently a fan-favorite, with fans comparing him to the former Laker Alex Caruso.

Related: “Sold himself to the Chinese like the rest of the NBA” – Fans react to Austin Reaves’ MILLION DOLLAR signature shoe deal

Austin Reaves’ contract extension with the Lakers

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Austin Reaves (Harry How / Getty Images)

After Austin Reaves flirted with several other teams during free agency, the 25-year-old signed a massive deal with the Lakers. Reaves agreed to a $56 million/4-year deal to return to the Lakers.

Things became complicated at the start of free agency, with teams looking to pounce on the guard. After Reaves outplayed his two-way contract, his value soared to almost $90 million in the market. There were scenarios where Reaves could have opted for a much higher contract with different teams, but the new CBA restrictions on cap spaces repelled his agents to re-sign with the Lakers.

The four-year deal is the maximum that the Lakers’ could offer as the team does not have his full bird rights. When the Lakers acquired Reaves through free agency two years ago, they retained his Early Bird Rights, which became a factor in the negotiation process.


Reaves’ return to the Lakers was complemented by the rejoining of fellow players D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. With these additions to their roster, the Lakers have emerged as one of the favorites to contend for the Western Conference title. The team’s success in the upcoming season will undoubtedly be heavily reliant on Reaves’ performance.

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