While not having played a game in weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers find a way to stay in the headlines as one of the league’s most storied franchises. NBA draft week is one of the most exciting times on the basketball calendar that doesn’t involve on-court activities.
NBA Social Media Reacts to LA Lakers Guard Austin Reaves’ New Contract
Transactions flow fast and furious through the week. Now that Austin Reeves has agreed to his new contract, social media users check in to share their opinions.
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Reaves and the Lakers agreed on a four-year, $185 million max contract that just needs the guard’s signature. As a result, social media buzzed with the news of the 28-year-old staying in Los Angeles.
“Really really good player. A little expensive…his downsides will be less fun making $46m/yr than on a massive bargain deal. But he’s a truly nasty on-ball player and the Lakers played quite well when he and Luka have shared the court. No brainer to get the deal done.” one user tweeted.
Really really good player. A little expensive…his downsides will be less fun making $46m/yr than on a massive bargain deal. But he’s a truly nasty on-ball player and the Lakers played quite well when he and Luka have shared the court. No brainer to get the deal done.
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) June 24, 2026
Reaves brings an aggressive demeanor to his game. For example, over the last two seasons, he averaged 1.1 steals, indicating he brings killer instinct on defense. Instead of playing lax defense, Reaves embraces the physicality of guard defense at the table.
“One of the greatest success stories in the NBA History! Going from the backwoods of Arkansas to Undrafted to a Max Contract for the most prestigious franchise in the NBA Austin Reaves story is a real life Disney Movie! WELL DESERVED AR!” screamed a Twitter user.
Reaves hails from Newark, Arkansas and entered the league as an undrafted player in 2021.
one of the greatest success stories in the NBA History! Going from the backwoods of Arkansas to Undrafted to a Max Contract for the most prestigious franchise in the NBA
Austin Reaves story is a real life Disney Movie! WELL DESERVED AR! 🫡💰 https://t.co/ZMJ6UleWL9
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) June 24, 2026
“The Luka and Reaves era is officially underway in LA,” declared another user. With LeBron James’ free agency destination still up in the air, some believe the Lakers’ backcourt is solidified, with the mantle of team leadership potentially shifting from James to Luka Doncic.
The Luka and Reaves era is officially underway in LA
— Mark A.Kern II (@Markkern111) June 24, 2026
“Lakers fans seeing this:” exclaimed sports wagering FanDuel tweeted, posing the aforementioned words with a clip of Reaves staring at a basketball and smiling.
Lakers fans seeing this: pic.twitter.com/GiejBtPQe2
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) June 24, 2026
His signing started filling in the picture for a team with questions. One aspect that cannot be questioned is Reaves’ perennial improvement.
Austin Reaves PPG by season:
2021-22: 7.3
2022-23: 13.0
2023-24: 15.9
2024-25: 20.2
2025-26: 23.3The biggest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player. https://t.co/Jwnte3D29E
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 24, 2026
“Luka Dončić showing up to help Austin Reaves negotiate his max deal with the Lakers,” joked one user, tweeting a photo from the movie ‘Step Brothers’ where one character is joined by his friend during what should be a solo job interview. That could underscore what Doncic envisions for his team. Not all responses to the news were positive.
Luka Doncic showing up to help Austin Reaves negotiate his max deal with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/TZ4t5aJepG
— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) June 24, 2026
“Luka not winning with the Lakers” stated one user. Signing Reaves does not address one of Doncic’s main offseason demands: an elite center.
Luka not winning with the Lakers 😭😭 https://t.co/YiCi7k5X4e
— Danny2K (@Danny2KYT) June 24, 2026
Reaves is a guard, and the Lakers still have questions in the frontcourt. What other dominoes will fall in Los Angeles?
