Coming into the season, Austin Reaves’ impending free company was an enormous matter surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Regardless of his poor playoff efficiency final yr, Reaves continues to be seen as a key a part of LA’s future as they appear to construct round their newly acquired star Luka Doncic.
Given the Lakers’ lack of depth on the wing although, the thought of swapping Reaves for a flexible wing was additionally a risk, particularly if LA’s season began off sideways. Reaves has put these rumors to relaxation, and he could also be main the Lakers to creating a troublesome resolution.
Austin Reaves is so good that he could also be too costly for the Lakers
Thus far this season, not solely has Reaves been enjoying nicely, however he has been the most effective guards within the league. He’s averaging 28 factors per recreation, which is well a profession excessive, capturing 52 p.c from the sphere and 36 p.c from three-point vary. He’s additionally averaging almost seven assists a recreation as nicely.
Reaves has additionally excelled in video games the place Doncic has missed. He’s averaging 41 PPG and ten assists within the 4 video games Doncic hasn’t performed in, together with a 51-point outburst towards the Sacramento Kings.
Reaves has improved steadily during the last 4 seasons, however within the final two years, he has proven large progress. He’s now not a task participant. He has the chops to be a lead guard on a contending group.
His in-between recreation has grown considerably. He’s manipulating the protection constantly in terms of scoring, and on nights the place his shot isn’t falling, he nonetheless finds a option to playmake at an elite degree.
Reaves will command heavy curiosity as a free agent
The final time Reaves was a free agent, he gave the Lakers a hometown low cost. He signed a four-year, $52 million deal that was a steal then and appears like a fair greater one now.
Reaves has expressed a heavy need to stick with LA, as he needs to win. He additionally loves enjoying with Doncic, and the 2 have proven nice chemistry collectively, regardless of the defensive issues. Doncic is aware of play subsequent to a different ball-dominant guard, as he did it in Dallas with Kyrie Irving, and so they went to the finals in 2024.
The Lakers need to hold Reaves as a part of their long-term plans, particularly with LeBron James on his method out. The query is, are they going to be prepared to signal him to the max contract he deserves? In the event that they don’t, different groups will line up for the guard’s providers this summer time.
