The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA to start the season, boasting an 8-3 record and arguably the most talented offensive duo in the league. While Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have been sensational, the reality is that the Lakers have a major decision to make for Reaves and his contract situation.

In 2023, the Lakers handed Reaves a four-year, $53.8 million extension, a deal that made sense as he was coming off a season averaging 13.0 points per game, mainly serving as a bench option. However, he's since outgrown that deal significantly, meaning a big payday could be on the horizon.

Austin Reaves Addresses Contract Situation

Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) on X When Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves have played together this season they have the BEST OFFENSIVE RATING IN NBA HISTORY (124.6) 💥

Reaves still has the option to accept his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but the likelihood of that happening is near zero. Therefore, that's led to conversations around his future, whether he'll extend long-term, short-term, or even test the market. He recently addressed that to ESPN.

"I try not to think about it. Honestly. I've said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it," Reaves told ESPN. "Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn't mean that I'm trying to go get a f---ing gigantic number that don't make sense. I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better. So I don't try to think about those things."

LakersMuse (@LALMuse) on X Austin Reaves wants to spend his entire career with the Lakers and is “not obsessed over earning every dollar possible” on his next deal Via @ESPN

Reaves was offered a four-year, $89 million contract this past offseason, which was the maximum the Lakers could've offered under the CBA guidelines. To the surprise of nobody, the offer was declined, knowing the Reaves could receive a more appropriate payday for his value in the 2026 offseason.

Given how Reaves has looked to start this season, averaging 30.3 points and 9.0 assists in eight contests, it's clear that he deserves a big extension this offseason. However, ESPN's report revealed that an anonymous Eastern Conference front office executive believes a team like the Brooklyn Nets should offer him the max and allow him to be the leader for his own team.

Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) on X Teammates in NBA HISTORY to each have 200+ points & 50+ assists through their first seven games of a season: Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves (2025-26) That’s it.

"AR's a stud. If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce," the executive told ESPN.

If Reaves does care about getting the most money he can this offseason, then going to Brooklyn doesn't make much sense, since the Lakers can offer more. However, if he decides by this upcoming offseason that he wants to make the jump and be the face of his own team, Brooklyn can give him that chance.

Regardless, the focus remains on the present, and Reaves will look to continue his hot start on Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30 p.m. EST.