Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooter Austin Reaves is entering the final guaranteed season of his current contract. As an important partner for the team alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the 27-year-old guard has proven his core value.

Rivers is currently on a four- year , $53.8 million contract that expires in 2023. He has a player option worth nearly $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season, but he is widely expected to decline it and test the free market. The reason is simple : his market value is nearly double his current salary.

Lakers team reporter Jovan Buha said on the show that Rivers' next contract may have an annual salary range of between $30 million and $35 million: " I think he is a $30 million to $35 million a year player. Looking at some players in this salary range, such as Immanuel Quickley and Tyler Herro, I think Austin is completely in this level and is even better than many of them. "

Buha also revealed that Rivers hopes to spend the rest of his life with the Lakers: " League insiders generally believe that his contract next summer will exceed $30 million, whether with the Lakers or another team. I expect him to sign a multi-year contract with the Lakers, which is also a wise move for the Lakers. He wants to be a Laker player, and a Laker for life. "

Last season, Rivers played in 73 games for the Lakers, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range . He not only consistently scored, but also demonstrated versatile playmaking and shooting abilities. As he gradually enters the prime of his career, this perimeter playmaker is expected to continue to be a key piece for the Lakers in the coming years.