One of the first offseason dominos has fallen for the Lakers. While the front office and fans wait for decisions on their stars, Austin Reaves has officially made his future plans known.
Lakers Fans Shouldn’t Worry Over Guard’s $89.2M Decision
Reaves Declines Four-Year Extension
Reaves formally declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike. Instead, Reaves will play out the third season of a four-year max contract.
Despite Reaves’ decision, Woike says fans shouldn’t stress over potentially losing the 27-year-old phenom to free agency.
“The decision, league sources said, wasn’t a reflection of Reaves and the Lakers’ relationship. Instead, it’s almost a foregone conclusion considering the limitations placed on the amount the Lakers were allowed to offer this week.
Reaves’ upcoming potential free agency meant his name was floating in and out of rumors on the first day of the NBA Draft. The Lakers have never shown interest in trading Reaves and continue to hold him in high value.”
The undrafted guard from Arkansas is generating well-deserved buzz after the best season of his career. Reaves put up 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on .460/.377/.877 splits this year and is still viewed positively despite a poor playoff performance. This decision allows him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer, where he could reportedly command up to $30 million per year.
And if there was any worry of Reaves bolting in free agency, he’s made his position clear time and time again: he wants to stay a Laker.
New Lakers Ownership Should Ease Concerns on Reaves
The news around Reaves came amid comments from Jeanie Buss and Mark Walter surrounding the ownership change. Walter, who is also a majority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is no stranger to extravagant spending in the pursuit of excellence. As such, many expect he’ll bring those same financial habits to keep the Lakers in contention. That, among other things, should include keeping Reaves.
The CBA’s second apron has made it difficult to keep successful cores together (case in point: the Boston Celtics this week). The Lakers have had to make tough decisions on their own free agents. However, that shouldn’t be the case with Walter going forward. While keeping Reaves, Doncic, and LeBron James on the books is not an easy task, it’s one that Walter must be willing to take. Paying a hefty luxury tax bill hasn’t worked out for every team, but it might do wonders for LA if all goes according to plan.
Reaves bypassing an extension could lead him toward a five-year, $246.7 million max deal next summer. Depending on how next season plays out, a contract like that could be a worthy investment or a remarkable overpay. Still, Reaves has proven his value to the Lakers’ front office and fans. The team would be foolish to repeat history in a new era.
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