Austin Reaves' Potential to Demonstrate Value to the Lakers, Justifying a $35 Million Yearly Salary
The NBA landscape is abuzz with anticipation as Austin Reaves, the versatile and steadily improving player for the Los Angeles Lakers, prepares to enter free agency. With his player option for the upcoming season likely to be declined, Reaves could command a contract worth $30 to $35 million per year.
Reaves has been a valuable asset to the Lakers, proving his worth year after year in the league. His potential to make another leap this upcoming season has not gone unnoticed, as the San Antonio Spurs are reported to be one of the teams interested in signing him.
The Lakers' internal goal is to see Reaves and their star, Luka Doncic, form a viable pair moving forward. However, the continuation of their relationship will depend on their ability to prove they are a championship-caliber pairing.
Throughout his tenure with the Lakers, Reaves has shown that he is not a player a team can't win with, despite sometimes being over-stretched with responsibilities. This season, he has been focusing on improving his defensive skills, specifically in preparation for potential matchups, and honing his shooting and attacking off the catch to boost his offensive production.
Reaves' focus on getting stronger to better handle defensive challenges and his readiness to produce in smaller windows, playing alongside LeBron James and Doncic, has not gone unnoticed. His teammate, Marcus Smart, who recently joined the Lakers, might also help reduce Reaves' defensive responsibilities.
League sources indicate that the San Antonio Spurs and other teams are keeping a close eye on Reaves' free agency. The Lakers, for their part, are interested in continuing their relationship with the young player. If this season goes well, they would look forward to offering Reaves a deal for his next contract.
However, if LA loses Reaves for nothing, they might consider trading him during the season. The Lakers have already rewarded Doncic with his contract extension, but their willingness to trade Reaves would depend on whether they receive a bona fide star in return.
Teams may continue to ask about trading for Reaves, especially if concerns about his pairing with Doncic persist. The Lakers, however, have made it clear that they would only consider trading Reaves if he is part of a package for a star player.
In a surprising turn of events, Reaves turned down a potential extension offer from the Lakers, with the most they could offer being four years, $89.2 million. This decision has set the stage for a potentially heated free agency period, as both Reaves and the Lakers weigh their options.
As the NBA season approaches, the fate of Austin Reaves remains uncertain. One thing is for sure, though: the young player's determination, versatility, and potential make him a highly sought-after free agent.
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