Austin Reaves is currently experiencing one of the best stretches of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. After injuries sidelined LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the guard stepped up as the offensive leader, delivering spectacular performances, including a 50-point game followed by another with 40 points. However, his rise has sparked a major financial dilemma within the Lakers organization.
During the KG Certified podcast, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett discussed Reaves’ contract situation. Both offered different perspectives, but Pierce’s blunt statement left fans and analysts stunned.
A contractual complication
According to The Sports Rush, Garnett praised Reaves’ strong play, while Pierce was far more cautious. “You can’t pay him while you have LeBron,” Pierce stated. “You have to get a full sample size of what he can be. Can he be the No. 2 on a really good team? Or is he more of a third option?”
A Paul Pierce vs. LeBron James battle from 2008. pic.twitter.com/SOSpYBhGuV
— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) May 16, 2025
Pierce believes LeBron’s presence limits both the financial growth and on-court opportunities for Reaves. “LeBron’s gravitational pull is so strong that it takes away from some of the other guys because you see when he’s out, how talented they look,” he added.
Reaves signed a four-year, $53.8 million deal with the Lakers in 2023. Now, he’s reportedly seeking an extension that could reach $246 million. However, the front office appears reluctant to commit that kind of money while LeBron remains on the roster — and Pierce fully agrees. “He has to prove he can do it when it really matters,” said the former Celtics star.
The 2025-26 season will be crucial for Reaves’ future. If he continues performing at an elite level, he could demand a supermax contract. But as long as LeBron continues to dominate the Lakers’ payroll and hierarchy, Reaves may have to wait his turn.
