L.A. Lakers' Austin Reaves projected to secure a $30 million deal
The future of Austin Reaves with the Los Angeles Lakers is shaping up to be an intriguing narrative in the upcoming NBA season. Reaves, a homegrown Laker and valuable offensive contributor, had an impressive season last year, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game.
Despite some initial speculation, Reaves' decision to decline a four-year, $89.2 million maximum contract extension from the Lakers earlier this offseason does not seem to reflect any rift with the organization. Instead, it appears to be a strategic move to test the free agency waters next summer, with expectations that he will sign a bigger deal with the Lakers.
Multiple NBA executives and insiders anticipate that Reaves will command upwards of $30 million annually, confirming his role as a key long-term teammate to Luka Dončić. The Lakers are expected to have significant cap flexibility and multiple first-round picks next summer, providing them with the financial means to secure Reaves' services.
One Western Conference assistant coach considers this upcoming season a major test of Reaves' long-term viability. The assistant coach stated that Reaves needs to be good enough in the playoffs to pair with Doncic, and whether he proves worthy of a top-tier deal in the postseason may ultimately shape the direction of the franchise.
Reaves' future with the Lakers could be a pivotal factor for both his career and the franchise. The assistant coach's comments underscore the importance of Reaves' performance this season, particularly in the playoffs, where he struggled last season, shooting just 31.9% from beyond the arc in the Lakers' first-round loss to Minnesota.
However, Reaves has repeatedly stated that he wants to play his entire career in Los Angeles. His status as a local favorite and the Lakers' interest in re-signing him long term reinforce this commitment.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will be on Reaves to prove his worth and secure a significant contract extension with the Lakers. General manager Rob Pelinka faces a critical offseason, with the fate of the Lakers' roster potentially hinging on Reaves' decision.
In the meantime, Reaves' productivity and commitment to the Lakers bode well for both parties. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent four years ago and has since developed into a playmaking guard and 3-point threat, poised to shape a new backcourt duo with Doncic.
Whether Reaves and the Lakers will indeed forge a long-term partnership remains to be seen. But for now, the signs are promising, with both parties seemingly aligned on a potential future together in Los Angeles.
- Rumors suggest that Austin Reaves could command a contract worth over $30 million annually as he approaches free agency next summer.
- Despite his struggles in the playoffs last season, Reaves' commitment to the Lakers and his development into a playmaking guard and 3-point threat have raised hopes for a long-term partnership with the team.
- With the Lakers expected to have significant cap flexibility and multiple first-round picks next summer, betting on a potential Reaves-Luka Doncic tandem in the playoffs and beyond has become a trending topic among sports analysts and basketball fans.
