In a season stuffed with accidents, disappointment and inconsistent play, Austin Reaves has been an enormous vivid spot for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Up to now he’s averaging 11.6 factors per recreation on 51.1 p.c taking pictures from the sector and 38.3 p.c taking pictures from past the arc, and he’s doing it in simply 28 minutes of motion per recreation.
When he isn’t stunting on opponents on the courtroom, Reaves has additionally proven a sure propensity for charming the women off it.
Understandably, followers wish to see him in purple and gold for a very long time to come back.
However will that really find yourself occurring?
In line with NBA insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers may have one other Alex Caruso scenario on their arms with Reaves, who will change into a restricted free agent this summer season.
“I feel it is a related scenario to D-Lo when it comes to mutual curiosity on each side,” he stated.
“But in addition, there are going to be a number of suitors for Reaves. He’s performed the whole lot from level guard to small ahead. He can defend a number of positions and is a brilliant, excessive IQ basketball participant. He was a 50-40-90 man for the early a part of the season. He’s an environment friendly participant and somebody that Darvin Ham has known as a Swiss Military knife this season. He can play on or off the ball.
“That is form of lining as much as doubtlessly be one other Alex Caruso scenario the place he desires to be there, and the Lakers wish to retain him, but when they attempt to get slightly too cute with the supply or negotiation, I may see him doubtlessly leaving and going someplace the place he’s going to get the complete non-taxpayer mid-level exception.”
L.A. famously botched the Caruso negotiations in epic style. The unhealthy blood from that also lingers, and even opposing NBA head coaches mocked the Lakers for his or her dealing with of the scenario.
Will historical past repeat itself with Reaves? Time will inform.
What every week for the Mayfield household. https://t.co/iX8D6T3sfF
— Recreation 7 (@game7__) March 18, 2023
In the mean time, the 24-year-old is a big fan favourite and creating function participant. The Lakers’ refusal to incorporate him any commerce for Kyrie Irving was first step.
Till he really indicators the contract, although – nothing is for certain.
Can the Lakers hold Reaves with the group long-term? A solution by some means will emerge quickly sufficient.
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