Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is reportedly aiming for a new contract that would place him on the same financial level as Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, whose four-year, $120 million extension has become a benchmark for young scoring guards in the NBA. While no formal negotiations have been confirmed, league chatter suggests that Reaves and his representatives believe his production, versatility, and marketability justify a similar long-term payday.
Reaves, 26, has emerged as one of the Lakers’ most reliable perimeter players over the past two seasons. Originally undrafted in 2021, he worked his way into the rotation through a combination of sharp shooting, creative playmaking, and relentless competitiveness. His breakout came during the 2022–23 campaign, when he averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. His strong postseason performance, particularly in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals, further solidified his standing as a key piece of the roster.
The comparison to Herro is rooted in more than just scoring ability. Like the Heat guard, Reaves has proven capable of creating his own shot, running pick-and-rolls, and contributing as a secondary ball-handler alongside a primary star. Herro’s 2022 deal with Miami set a clear market value for guards in their mid-twenties who can average around 20 points per game while still improving. While Reaves has yet to match Herro’s raw scoring numbers, his efficiency, defensive effort, and adaptability in different roles make a compelling case for comparable value.
From the Lakers’ perspective, a contract in the $30 million per year range would be a significant financial commitment, especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on max-level deals. The front office will have to weigh Reaves’ upside against the constraints of the salary cap and luxury tax. Reaves’ popularity with fans, his fit in the team’s system, and his chemistry with the team’s stars could make him a priority, but Los Angeles will likely face competition from other teams willing to pay a premium if he ever hits the open market.
League executives note that Reaves’ skill set translates well across different systems, and his reputation as a hard worker and team-first player only boosts his value. If he continues to develop as a consistent scoring threat while maintaining his defensive energy, his camp’s push for Herro-level money may not be far-fetched.
For now, the Lakers guard remains under contract, but the offseason could bring negotiations that determine whether his long-term future remains in Los Angeles—or whether a rival franchise sees him as worth a blockbuster deal.
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