The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be gearing up to make a large contract offer to Austin Reaves when he reaches free agency this summer.
That said, they may have plenty of competition to retain his services.
Although he's cooled down a bit recently, Reaves began the season averaging over 30 points per game and is still averaging a career-high 23.5 points per game through the beginning of March.
He's also averaging 5.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
Due to his strong play, other teams are expected to make a run at him as well.
According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Utah Jazz could be one of those teams. “I’ve heard that the Utah Jazz like Austin Reaves. I don’t think that’s a shock, but I’ve heard that that’s one of the teams that’s interested in Austin Reaves,” Pincus said.
Having acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline, the signing of Reaves would progress Utah's rebuild even further.
Reaves would join third-year breakout star Keyonte George in the backcourt, not to mention strong frontcourt figures like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
However, with LeBron James likely to leave Los Angeles in the summer, expect the Lakers to fight hard to keep Reaves.
Regardless of what happens this offseason, Los Angeles will still have one more playoff run with the trio of Luka Doncic, Reaves and James.
Currently the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings, but trail the Minnesota Timberwolves by one game for the No. 3 seed.
Los Angeles will have a chance to get that game back Tuesday night, hosting the Timberwolves.
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