Austin Reaves has solidified himself as a necessary piece of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ championship aspirations. Rob Pelinka expressed confidence in Reaves‘ potential to thrive alongside two of the best gamers of all-time in LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
„My concept is basketball geniuses that like to win, discover methods to work and click on collectively,“ Pelinka informed ESPN. „And we knew LeBron was a basketball savant, needs to win on the highest degree. Clearly Luka Doncic, basketball savant, needs to win on the highest degree. And AR is coming into his personal there. He will get the sport, he sees it. He can match, actually, with anyone.“
The undrafted guard has exceeded all expectations, notably throughout a latest five-game stretch the place he scored 30+ factors 4 instances and set a franchise document with 15 three-pointers throughout two consecutive video games.
One Western Convention government informed ESPN, „He is the most effective undrafted participant since Ben Wallace, and that man’s a Corridor of Famer.“
Doncic’s arrival has created a good setting for Reaves, as opponents now assign their strongest defenders elsewhere. This has allowed Reaves to change into extra assertive offensively, averaging a career-high 3.1 isolation performs per recreation this season, a determine that has jumped to 4.5 isolation performs per recreation since Doncic joined the group.
„I simply wish to win and I really feel like anytime I am on the court docket versus off the court docket, I’ve a perception I actually can change the sport,“ stated Reaves.
Reaves‘ present four-year, $54 million contract has change into one of many NBA’s greatest worth offers. He’s eligible for a four-year, $89.2 million extension this summer season, which might substitute his $14.9 million choice yr in 2026-27. Alternatively, he might wait till 2026 for a possible four-year, $98 million extension, or change into an unrestricted free agent eligible for 25 % of the 26-27 wage cap.
Lakers possession has made their intentions clear relating to Reaves‘ future with the group.
„The way in which he performs the sport, fights for each ball, sacrifices his physique, once you see any person like that, you possibly can’t assist however get drawn in and cheer for them,“ Lakers governor Jeanie Buss informed ESPN. „And he was that from day one… he simply retains proving himself over and over and over…. We’re simply fortunate to have him.“
