Austin Reaves: A Rising Star in the NBA
Austin Reaves, a standout guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, is arguably sitting on one of the most favorable contracts in the NBA. Last season, the player who averaged 20 points per game is set to earn $13.9 million this year, significantly less than the standard midlevel exception, as he enters the third year of his four-year contract valued at $53.8 million.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead to the summer, Reaves is anticipated to exercise his player option, entering free agency and likely securing a lucrative new deal with an expected annual average exceeding $30 million, as noted by several NBA executives to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“I think he will get $30 million plus,”
reflecting a common sentiment among league front office insiders. The consensus also suggests that it’s highly probable Reaves will remain with the Lakers, given his loyalty to the team and vital role as a secondary shot creator alongside superstar Luka Doncic. His status as a beloved figure among fans adds another layer of urgency for the franchise to retain him, as losing him would likely provoke significant backlash.
Performance Analysis
Reaves brings an impressive shooting skill set to the court, boasting a 37.7% accuracy from three-point range last season, with a commendable 39.9% on catch-and-shoot opportunities. His ability to adapt his game to complement Doncic further underscores his value to the Lakers. However, Reaves faces challenges ahead, particularly concerning his performance in the playoffs, where he encountered difficulties against the physical defense of the Timberwolves.
Averaging 16.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, he struggled with an overall shooting percentage of just 41.1% and 31.9% from beyond the arc. Establishing that his playoff shortcomings were an anomaly will be crucial for his future earning capacity.
Defensive Concerns and Market Comparison
Although Reaves has made strides, concerns linger about his defensive capabilities, making him a potential liability when paired with Doncic for extended periods, especially in critical playoff situations. Nevertheless, he compares favorably to other guards currently commanding $30 million, including Jalen Suggs, Tyler Herro, Jordan Poole, and Dejounte Murray. A new contract in the ballpark of four years and $120 million appears plausible.
Conclusion
Should the Lakers opt not to meet the financial demands, other franchises would eagerly step in. However, expectations lean towards Los Angeles ultimately securing Reaves’ services, likely concluding negotiations as they navigate available salary cap space—contingent upon LeBron James’ future with the organization—allowing for an optimal roster build around Doncic before utilizing their Bird rights to bring Reaves back on board. Any final agreement is expected to materialize without difficulty.
