Coming into the season, Austin Reaves’ impending free agency was a big topic surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his poor playoff performance last year, Reaves is still viewed as a key part of LA’s future as they look to build around their newly acquired star Luka Doncic.
Given the Lakers’ lack of depth on the wing though, the idea of swapping Reaves for a versatile wing was also a possibility, especially if LA’s season started off sideways. Reaves has put those rumors to rest, and he may be leading the Lakers to making a tough decision.
Austin Reaves is so good that he may be too expensive for the Lakers
So far this season, not only has Reaves been playing well, but he has been one of the best guards in the league. He’s averaging 28 points per game, which is easily a career high, shooting 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. He is also averaging nearly seven assists a game as well.
Reaves has also excelled in games where Doncic has missed. He’s averaging 41 PPG and ten assists in the four games Doncic hasn’t played in, including a 51-point outburst against the Sacramento Kings.
Reaves has improved steadily over the last four seasons, but in the last two years, he has shown tremendous growth. He is no longer a role player. He has the chops to be a lead guard on a contending team.
His in-between game has grown significantly. He’s manipulating the defense consistently when it comes to scoring, and on nights where his shot isn’t falling, he still finds a way to playmake at an elite level.
Reaves will command heavy interest as a free agent
The last time Reaves was a free agent, he gave the Lakers a hometown discount. He signed a four-year, $52 million deal that was a steal then and looks like an even bigger one now.
Reaves has expressed a heavy desire to stay with LA, as he wants to win. He also loves playing with Doncic, and the two have shown great chemistry together, despite the defensive concerns. Doncic knows how to play next to another ball-dominant guard, as he did it in Dallas with Kyrie Irving, and they went to the finals in 2024.
The Lakers want to keep Reaves as part of their long-term plans, especially with LeBron James on his way out. The question is, are they going to be willing to sign him to the max contract he deserves? If they don’t, other teams will line up for the guard’s services this summer.