Austin Reaves has emerged as a major difference-maker for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, especially after the All-Star break. He has averaged 17.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 57.8% overall and 44.3% from 3-point range during that span. He has become a fan favorite.
He will become a free agent this summer. Though he has said he wants to stay with the Purple and Gold, it could be tricky for the team to keep him.
There is a real possibility another team will offer Reaves a sizable contract, and according to Shams Charania, if that contract goes above $60 million, it would be difficult for the Lakers to match it (h/t Lakers Daily).
“If it gets to that $60M-$70M range for Austin Reaves, that’s a tough contract for the Lakers to match… he wants to give the Lakers every opportunity to try to get a deal done”@ShamsCharania with his biggest takeaway from convo with Austin Reaves #RunItBack #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/x47DboyKGG
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) April 11, 2023
Reaves has become above-average in several facets of the game, and if the Lakers are serious about contending for the NBA championship next season with their improved supporting cast, they will have to pay him generously so he will remain a part of that supporting cast.
