Austin Reaves is performing at a high level with LeBron James sidelined, but the Lakers guard’s All-Star aspirations and potential $240 million payday face a serious obstacle once James returns to the lineup and reclaims his role.
Reaves ranks among the league’s top performers in the opening stages of the 2025/26 NBA season and is averaging elite points and 9.3 assists per game, with his numbers suggesting a possible All-Star selection.
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Yet Jovan Buha warns the return of LeBron will reduce his chances significantly despite Reaves’ current breakout performance.
“So, if you have Luka and LeBron as starters,” Buha said. “The Lakers probably have to be a top two or three seed to get a third all-star.
“That’s certainly within the realm of possibility. And right now, that’s how things currently are and are trending.”
Teams rarely send three players to the All-Star Game, with the Golden State Warriors being a recent example so for Reaves, this means that outperforming elite talent, and their accompanying reputations, will be critical.
The presence of LeBron and Luka Doncic could make a selection highly unlikely and All-Star recognition, or lack of, could directly impact Reaves’ financial future after he declined a $90 million extension in the offseason aiming for a larger contract.
His performances in LeBron’s absence have increased his market value and positioned him for a substantial payday as he has already produced career-high performances, including a 51-point game, showing his ability to lead an offense.
His scoring and playmaking demonstrate he can sustain value regardless of All-Star recognition or the return of LeBron to the court.
“Someone is going to pay him a lot of money next summer,” a Western Conference executive said. Reaves could command an average annual salary of $30 million or higher, though missing an All-Star nod may reduce his peak contract potential with the Lakers.
The USA vs. World All-Star format adds difficulty as top American guards such as Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Stephen Curry are likely to secure spots, leaving Reaves with fewer chances, despite his performance, to gain recognition in the mid-season showcase.
Despite LeBron’s impending return, Reaves remains focused on long-term development.
His leadership and impact on the Lakers’ offense maintain his financial and professional growth, showing that even if All-Star selection slips away, his career trajectory remains strong.
Reaves’ gamble on himself has been successful so far. He has stepped into a leading role, demonstrating elite playmaking and scoring. While LeBron’s return may limit accolades, Reaves’ overall performance and earning potential continue to rise steadily.
Who do the Lakers play next? Date and time for upcoming Los Angeles game
The Los Angeles Lakers and Austin Reaves will next take to the court on Wednesday, November 5 when the team takes on Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center.
The 6-2 Lakers tip-off against the 5-1 Spurs in Southern California from 22:00 ET/17:00 PT.
