The Los Angeles Lakers are brewing something behind closed doors. And it has everything to do with Austin Reaves. The 27-year-old won’t technically become a free agent at the end of the season. A large part of that reality is a moot point for the star guard. However, while an imminent contract extension looms large, the front office has a different plan. You could also call it a backup plan that serves their own interests, though.

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report shared on Wednesday that Reaves’ agent is likely going to push for the maximum deal. The potential contract range is between $30 million and $41.3 million per season. The final deal will most likely hinge on several factors:

• the starting salary: around $35 million
• the contract length: 3 to 5 years
• additional elements like annual raises, trade bonuses, player options, and payment advances.

These details will ultimately shape the compromise within that price window. Moreover, LA’s strong performance last month might encourage a long-term deal for Reaves. If they hesitate, or if the player’s representation decides to put their foot down with a high-dealbreaker figure, the Lakers would likely explore a sign-and-trade, ensuring they gain value from the rising talent rather than risk losing him for nothing.

According to BR, the Lakers could offer Reaves $239.3 million over five years this summer. Well, if he opts out (player option for 2026-27), he’ll be available to sign with any team. In that case, the most a competing team could offer him is $177.4 million over four years. Well, that is a difference of $61.9 million. There’s also a gap of about $3.5 million per year. Given the situation, will this difference be enough to have him stay in Los Angeles?

Other factors are at play, most notably the team’s pending decision on LeBron James’ future. It won’t be surprising if the 41-year-old walks away as a free agent at the end of the ongoing season. If not, he could sign back with the Lakers on a cheaper contract.

Now, of course, the front office is not in a position to lose both Reaves and James in the same summer. Many believe the Lakers won’t turn down any offer from Reaves, given his dynamic with the franchise. Besides, it’s hard to see the 28-year-old star, who initially went undrafted, turning down that much money. He likely wouldn’t leave unless the Lakers completely low-balled him, or he truly believed life would be much better somewhere else. Currently, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets are among the teams with cap room. Meanwhile, Reaves is out of the regular season with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, and the drama around it is intensifying.

Medical disagreement on Austin Reaves’ season-ending injury

The Lakers and Mavericks are clashing over a medical scan. Coach JJ Redick told reporters on Saturday that Austin Reaves needed two MRIs to confirm a Grade 2 left oblique strain. He blamed the Mavericks’ staff for botching the first scan. Reaves got hurt in the first half of the Lakers’ 139-96 loss to the Thunder on Thursday. Surprisingly, he returned to finish the game but hasn’t stepped on the court since, leaving fans wondering about his recovery timeline.

“I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area,” Redick said. “So, not on our end. We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned, but they scanned the wrong area.” The Mavericks released a statement on Tuesday. They said, “Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time. There was no error in the scan performed.”

As a result of the injury, Reaves will miss the rest of the regular season. Reports say that he will require 4-6 weeks to recover, thus putting his playoff appearance at risk. With the player sidelined, the Lakers’ front office is on the clock. They must decide whether to commit to their injured guard long-term or risk losing a key piece of their future, all while a medical dispute with the Mavericks adds another layer of uncertainty to an already high-stakes negotiation.