Austin Reaves Locks $185M Lakers Deal, Finds Golf Relief

Record‑Setting Contract Secured

Austin Reaves has finalized a four‑year, $185 million agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers, the richest contract ever for an undrafted player. The deal marks a major milestone in Reaves’ rapid rise from Arkansas to the NBA elite. With the signing, the Lakers fulfilled a key offseason priority and kept their core intact for the coming season.

Free Agency Frenzy Interrupted His Golf

During the NBA’s free‑agency frenzy, Reaves was on the phone with agents for roughly five to seven hours a day, a schedule that interrupted his beloved golf routine. He described the period as “annoying” because it pulled him away from the links. Even with the constant negotiations, he managed to play one full round, juggling calls by placing his phone on speaker and occasionally tossing it on the ground between shots.

Hillbilly Bogey: The Golf Side Hustle

When off the court, Reaves is a golf content creator, a role that led to the creation of the “Hillbilly Bogey” brand with friend Trent Swaim. The name references his high‑school nickname “Hillbilly Kobe” and is featured on a YouTube channel that documents their golfing adventures. Reaves jokes that his first day at the American Century Championship produced so many bogeys he considered swapping his themed hat for something less ironic.

American Century Championship Return

Reaves competed at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where he admitted his game “hasn’t hit the way I wanted to all week.” He found joy simply being on the course, supported by his brother and energized by the fan presence. The event also served as the backdrop for his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, where he reflected on the recent contract news and his renewed focus on golf.

With the contract finalized and his focus shifting back to leisure activities, Reaves appears ready to bring the same competitive drive to both the court and the golf course in the upcoming seasons.