Austin Reaves is set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers and wants to stay a Laker for life.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has quickly become one of the NBA’s most underappreciated stars, but he knows his worth—and he knows where he wants to be.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves
Position: SG
Age: 27
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Birth place: Arkansas, United States of America
Reaves, who will become an unrestricted free agent next year, is expected to command around $30 million per season.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha explained that the guard is not only deserving of that payday but also committed to staying in Los Angeles.
“I think he's more of a 30-to-35-million-dollar-a-year player. If you look at some of the guys in that range, guys like Immanuel Quickley or Tyler Herro, I think Austin is easily in that class, and actually better than a lot of the guys in that salary range. Obviously, context and leverage are always factors here,” Buha said on Spectrum SportsNet.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
Buha stressed that Reaves wants to remain a Laker for life. The former Oklahoma standout even deliberately went undrafted in 2021 to audition for the Purple and Gold.
“People around the league are penciling him in to make $30-plus million this summer, whether it's with the Lakers or someone else. I expect it to be with the Lakers.”
“I expect him to re-sign on a multi-year deal, and I think that's the shrewd move for LA's part. He wants to be a Laker for life,” added Buha.
Despite occasional trade rumors, the Lakers have made it clear they have no intention of moving the all-around playmaker, who has become a cornerstone of their backcourt alongside Luka Doncic.
Last season was Reaves’ best yet, as he posted career highs with 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
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