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Lakers guard Austin Reaves is planning to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season and undergo unrestricted free agency.

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ two star guards are viewed very differently by their peers.

Luka Doncic was recently voted as one of the most overrated players in the entire NBA by other players in an anonymous poll from The Athletic. Doncic received 3.7 percent of all the votes in that specific poll, which was tied for the seventh-most league-wide.

Austin Reaves Voted One of the NBA’s Most Underrated Players by His Peers

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves was on the other end of the spectrum. He was voted one of the most underrated players in the league by his peers.

151 NBA players voted in the underrated player poll, and Reaves received 3.3 percent of the vote, which was tied for third, along with Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard. Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson and Boston Celtics guard Derrick White were voted as the league’s most underrated players.

Reaves’ role and stature has grown exponentially since he began his career with the Lakers in 2021, but there are clearly still plyers who feel like he isn’t fully appreciated for all that he brings to the floor.

In 51 games for the Lakers during the regular season, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per performance.

Austin Reaves’ Contract, Future with the Los Angeles Lakers

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

Reaves’ future with the Lakers will become a major topic of conversation whenever their current campaign comes to an end. Reaves has just one year remaining on his current contract and it’s a $14 million player option for the 2026-27 season that he will almost assuredly turn down in favor of a new deal in unrestricted free agency.

It’s widely expected that the Lakers will lock Reaves up with a massive new deal in free agency, but it will be extremely interesting to see what kind of numbers the two sides might agree to on a deal. It will also be interesting to see if any other teams from across the league’s landscape try to swoop in and steal Reaves away from L.A., or if the Lakers have second thoughts about committing to him.

For what it’s worth, Reaves has previously expressed a desire to remain with the Lakers long-term.