Lost in the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves was a potentially big development involving Austin Reaves. Reaves was initially believed to have signed a 4-year $185 million extension with the Lakers.
However, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, he actually signed for $5 million less than initially reported. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal, but it could have major ramification for the Lakers after next season.
New episode w/ @KamBrothers (AK):
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 14, 2026
-- LA signs Ziaire Williams: How he fits, slots into the rotation, etc.
-- Austin Reaves takes a $5M pay cut
-- Lakers' continued pursuit of Kuminga
-- Carr & Thiero shine
-- Mañon & Kaluma intrigue as fits
-- Q&A
Watch: https://t.co/sqbDAQtber pic.twitter.com/9oKEEJZLQJ
Given that the Lakers are often near or above the luxury tax, they rarely have access to the non-tax payment mid-level exception and biannual exception. Luckily, now they will thanks to Reaves. Those exceptions give teams $20 million to improve their roster and are valuable tools for any team. Especially the Lakers.
Austin Reaves gifted the Lakers the mid-level exception next summer
Having access to those tools next offseason could be a huge deal. After all, it will provide the Lakers with the opportunity to add talent they may otherwise not have been able to acquire.
Still, that is a ways off, and Los Angeles is just about done adding talent this summer. That's too bad, because their offseason has received mixed reviews.
The sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler was a big swing but a questionable one. He'll help them with him being one of the NBA's best rim protectors and rebounders. Despite that, it will cost them two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a pick swap.
Considering how much they gave up to acquire him, the pressure is on for him to make a huge impact defensively.
The Lakers have their work court cut out for them
Reaves giving back some of his salary to help Los Angeles add a player or players after next season is noble. Unfortunately, it doesn't really help them next season.
Los Angeles appears to be the fifth best team in the West, at best, and worlds behind the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. That limits their ceiling, and having eight new players could lower the floor.
At least Reaves gave the Lakers some flexibility after next season to make tweaks to their roster and fix what isn't working. That may not help them next season, but it's the thought that counts.
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