After losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 133-130, on Feb. 7 in the game LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading career scorer, the Los Angeles Lakers were 25-30, and their playoff hopes looked dim.
The next day, they traded Russell Westbrook for D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley. Since then, they have been seemingly resurrected like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes.
Another factor in L.A.’s turnaround has been the play of second-year man Austin Reaves.
Although he has played well all season, he has been on a tear since the All-Star break, averaging 17.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 57.8% overall and 44.3% from 3-point range during that span. His ability to handle the ball, facilitate, hit outside shots, draw fouls and make free throws has made him invaluable to the team.
It has created a problem, however. Reaves will be a free agent this summer and could command more money than the Lakers are willing or able to pay.
But the undrafted guard told Shams Charania that he wants to remain with the Lakers, hopefully for his entire career (h/t Lakers Daily).
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves sits down with @Stadium: “I want to be a Laker, so hopefully we can get this done and I can stay there for hopefully my whole career.” On upcoming free agency, a special 2021 training camp moment, surprising his opponents, much more: pic.twitter.com/sa83nlnatT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2023
“I wanna be a Laker,” Reaves said. “Obviously, they gave me the first opportunity. I was a huge Laker fan growing up, big Kobe (Bryant) fan, so honestly, just to be able to play for the Lakers organization is special, and I wanna be a Laker, so hopefully we can get this done, and I can stay there for hopefully my whole career.”
Needless to say, losing Reaves this summer would be a big blow for the organization, especially as the wear and tear continues to accumulate for the 38-year-old LeBron James.
