If you had told a room full of Lakers fans in 2021 that an undrafted kid from Arkansas would be the one holding the backcourt together five years later, they might have laughed. But here we are in 2026, and Austin Reaves isn’t just a "role player" anymore. He’s basically the heartbeat of the team. For those of us who track the cardboard market, the Austin Reaves rookie card has gone from a dollar-bin afterthought to a legitimate portfolio piece.
It’s kind of wild to look back at his early hobby prices. Because he went undrafted, Panini didn't exactly roll out the red carpet for him. There were no high-end RPA (Rookie Patch Auto) cards in National Treasures with massive hype. He was a late addition to most sets. Honestly, that's what makes his market so interesting right now—scarcity is actually a factor, unlike with the overprinted superstars who get 50 different variations in every set.
The "Hillbilly Kobe" Premium: What’s Moving the Market
Right now, the 2021-22 Panini Prizm is the king. Specifically, the Silver Prizm #165. A few months ago, you could snag a PSA 9 for about $20. Now? Collectors are regularly shelling out $60 to $70 for that same grade. If you’re lucky enough to hold a PSA 10, you’re looking at a $200+ card.
Why the sudden jump?
The stats don't lie. As of early 2026, Reaves is putting up numbers that make him look like a fringe All-Star. We're talking averages in the neighborhood of 30 points and 9 assists when he's given the keys. People are realizing that he isn’t just a product of playing next to LeBron or Luka; he’s a generator. When the "main guys" sit, Reaves goes for 40 or 50. That translates directly to hobby confidence.
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Best Austin Reaves Rookie Card Options to Hunt
If you're looking to buy, don't just grab the first thing you see. You've gotta be strategic. Here is the current hierarchy of what people actually want:
- 2021-22 Panini Prizm #165: This is the flagship. The Silver Prizm and the "75th Anniversary" parallel are the most liquid. If you want a card you can sell in 15 minutes, this is it.
- 2021-22 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket: Since Reaves didn't have a massive "on-card" presence early on, these autographs are highly coveted. The "Rookie Ticket" is the classic brand for basketball investors.
- 2021-22 Panini Donruss Optic Rated Rookie: Everyone loves the Rated Rookie logo. It’s clean, it’s iconic, and the Holo versions are surprisingly tough to find in high grades.
- 2021-22 Panini Noir "New Wave" Jerseys: For the patch hunters, these are gorgeous. They’re numbered (usually to /99), and they actually feature a piece of player-worn material, which is getting rarer in the modern era of "not from any specific game."
The Undrafted Scarcity Factor
One thing most people get wrong about an Austin Reaves rookie card is assuming the "population report" is high. It’s really not. Because he wasn't a lottery pick, he wasn't included in early-season products like NBA Hoops or even some of the base Prizm checklists initially.
Take the Prizm Silver, for example. The PSA 10 population is significantly lower than guys like Cade Cunningham or Jalen Green. When supply is low and demand spikes because the guy is dropping 30 a night in Los Angeles—the biggest market in the world—you get a price explosion. It's basic economics, but with better-looking graphics.
Real-World Value Comparisons (Early 2026)
Prices move fast, but here is what the market looks like right now:
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A 2021 Panini Mosaic Rookie Scripts Auto in a PSA 10 recently cleared $200. Contrast that with his Chronicles base cards, which you can still find for $5 or less. Chronicles is the "entry-level" set—it's fun to rip, but don't expect those cards to buy you a new car.
If you want the "big boy" stuff, you’re looking at 2021-22 Panini Flawless. An Austin Reaves Flawless rookie auto /20 recently sold for nearly $800. That’s a serious investment for a guy who was once told he might have to play in Europe.
The Contract Year Surge
We have to talk about the 2026 free agency. Reaves is currently extension-eligible, and word on the street is he could be looking at a $30M to $40M per year deal. The Lakers want to keep him, and the hobby knows that "Laker for Life" status adds a permanent 20% premium to any card.
If he stays in LA and continues to be the primary playmaker, these rookie cards are basically a hedge against his stardom. If he leaves for a smaller market like San Antonio or Orlando to be "the man," his card prices might actually dip initially because the Lakers' "fame tax" disappears. It's a gamble.
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Red Flags and What to Avoid
Don't get burned by the "Draft Picks" sets.
You’ll see a 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks card for way cheaper than the NBA version. There’s a reason for that. Collectors generally hate collegiate jerseys. Unless you’re a die-hard Oklahoma Sooners fan, stay away from the Draft Picks stuff if you’re looking for ROI. They just don't hold value compared to the Lakers purple and gold.
Also, be wary of "custom" or "unlicensed" cards. With Topps getting back into the NBA mix in 2025-26, there’s a lot of confusion. Stick to the Panini stuff for his true 2021 rookie year. Anything with a "RC" logo from 2025 is technically a "Topps Rookie," but it’s not his first-ever card. The 2021-22 season is where the real value lives.
Actionable Strategy for Collectors
- Target PSA 9 Silvers: The price gap between a 9 and a 10 is huge. If you're a "buy and hold" type, the 9 is the safest entry point.
- Look for Low Population Parallels: "Orange Ice" or "Pink Ice" Prizms from retail boxes are often overlooked but have lower print runs than the base Silvers.
- Watch the Injury Reports: Reaves plays hard. He hits the floor a lot. If he misses time, prices usually dip for a week or two—that’s your window to buy.
- Verify the Autographs: Only buy certified autographs from major brands (Panini, Upper Deck, Topps). Avoid "in-person" autos unless they are authenticated by PSA/DNA or JSA.
The window to get an Austin Reaves rookie card for "cheap" is officially closed, but the window to get in before he becomes a perennial All-Star is still wide open. Just make sure you aren't overpaying for base cards that were printed by the millions. Focus on the numbered stuff, the silver parallels, and the verified ink.