Austin Reaves thought he was done with Lakers; he’s now their $185 million man
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Austin Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers after a week of free agency negotiations, bringing relief to the undrafted player who joined the NBA in 2021.
- The Lakers faced competition from teams like the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets, with offers exceeding $178.5 million, but ultimately prioritized retaining Reaves as part of their evolving roster centered around Luka Dončić.
- Last season, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 51 games, joining an elite group of NBA players with similar stats, and contributed to a strong Lakers record when playing alongside Dončić and LeBron James.
- Despite uncertainties during negotiations, Reaves expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles, emphasizing his commitment to winning a championship with the Lakers and building a competitive team around himself and Dončić.
- The Lakers continue to manage their roster with several free agents and player options, aiming to use cap space strategically to acquire additional talent and strengthen their championship prospects.
