Lakers reportedly forced to offer Reeves a max contract! Initial offer was $30 million annually, but Pistons' pursuit forced a price increase.

On June 26, Beijing time, the Lakers have finalized a four-year, $185 million max contract extension with Reeves. According to renowned reporter Windhorst, the Lakers were forced to give Reeves this max deal; their initial offer was a $30 million annual salary. Yesterday, the Lakers raised their offer to over $46 million per year.

Multiple teams were ready to offer Reeves a four-year, $179 million max contract, with the Detroit Pistons being the primary competitor. Seeing the situation, the Lakers promptly raised their offer.

Windhorst said on today's "First Take" program: "From what I understand, two days ago the Lakers' offer to Austin Reeves was around $30 million annually. That contract was already quite generous, but it's a world of difference compared to yesterday's new offer. The final contract signed has an annual salary of over $45 million, a 50% increase in just 24 hours."

"Why? That's the bargaining chip. Because the Pistons have been actively pursuing him. As everyone saw, yesterday the Pistons tried to trade away Stewart to free up salary cap space."

The first-year salary of Reeves' four-year, $185 million contract will be $41.3 million.

Previously, ESPN considered this contract reasonable in itself. Reeves' scoring ability is still steadily improving, and his current cap hold is low, so he will wait until the Lakers finalize their other offseason acquisitions before officially signing.

ESPN also stated: In 2023, as a restricted free agent, Reeves signed an extremely cost-effective contract: 4 years, $53.8 million, with a player option for the final year. This time, he did not give the Lakers another hometown discount. Last season he repeatedly played at a star level; now at age 28, he deserves this high salary, and the Lakers absolutely cannot afford to lose him.

Of course, signing a star to a max contract is just the simplest first step. Next, the Lakers must fill out a championship-caliber roster with very little salary cap room remaining.