The Los Angeles Lakers have been making headlines this offseason with their big moves and acquisitions. From the blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook to signing veteran players like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, the Lakers have been making all the right moves to strengthen their roster. However, one name that may not be as familiar to fans is Austin Reaves.
Reaves, a 6’5″ guard out of the University of Oklahoma, went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. But that didn’t stop the Lakers from signing him to a two-way contract, giving him the opportunity to prove himself in the NBA. And prove himself he did. Reaves impressed in the NBA Summer League, averaging 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His performance caught the attention of the Lakers’ coaching staff and front office, and now they have a big decision to make.
With the start of the NBA free agency period just around the corner, the Lakers have a major update on what it will take to keep Reaves on their roster. According to sources, opposing teams are already looking to offer Reaves a big contract, but the Lakers have the advantage of being able to offer him the most money. The question now turns to how much the Lakers are willing to pay to keep Reaves in purple and gold.
Reaves’ impressive play in the Summer League has undoubtedly raised his stock in the eyes of other teams. As a two-way player, he is eligible to spend up to 50 games with the Lakers and the rest of the season with their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. But with his potential and skill set, it’s likely that other teams will try to lure him away with a more lucrative offer.
However, the Lakers have made it clear that they see Reaves as a valuable piece of their roster moving forward. He brings a versatile skill set to the table, with the ability to play both guard positions and provide solid defense. Reaves also has a high basketball IQ and a strong work ethic, which are traits that the Lakers value in their players.
But the question remains, how much will the Lakers have to pay to keep Reaves? While the exact numbers have not been disclosed, it’s safe to assume that the Lakers will have to offer him a competitive deal to keep him from signing with another team. And with the Lakers already having a high payroll, it will be interesting to see how they manage their finances to make room for Reaves.
One thing is for sure, the Lakers have a good idea of what they will have to pay to keep Reaves, and they seem determined to do so. They have a history of developing young players and giving them the opportunity to thrive, and Reaves could be the next success story. He has already shown his potential in the Summer League, and with the guidance of veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he could continue to grow and contribute to the Lakers’ success.
In conclusion, the Lakers have a major update on Austin Reaves’ contract expectations, and it’s clear that they see him as a valuable asset to their team. While other teams may try to offer him a bigger deal, the Lakers have the advantage of being able to offer him the most money. It’s now up to the Lakers to make the right financial decision to secure Reaves’ future with the team. And if they do, it could be a win-win situation for both parties. Reaves gets the opportunity to continue his development with a championship-caliber team, and the Lakers get a promising young player who could contribute to their success for years to come.
