The Los Angeles Lakers have a tense offseason ahead as they have to improve their roster to compete in a season that ends with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis being potential free agents.
Austin Reaves is going to be their offseason priority, as their undrafted prospect is likely going to get a big offer this summer based on his drastic improvement last season. If the Lakers don’t extend him to good money, the Houston Rockets are reportedly interested if they miss out on James Harden.
Michael Scotto: “Should Harden not come to Houston, the Rockets are expected to have interest in Lakers restricted free agent Austin Reaves, I’m told.”
Kelly Iko: “Reaves is a guy they like a lot.”
The Rockets have lined up targets in case they can’t sign Harden this summer, with Kyrie Irving reportedly on the list too. Reaves would be cheaper than either star and could have long-term upside as a 25-year-old who has proven he can shine under the spotlight.
Reaves averaged 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists during the season and improved greatly in the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the Lakers’ WCF run.
Should Austin Reaves Leave The Lakers?
Reaves is a restricted free agent, so no matter what team he signs an offer sheet with, the Lakers can simply match it and sign him to that offer. The teams that will have the money to tempt Reaves away will be rebuilding projects like the Rockets or the San Antonio Spurs, so staying with the Lakers may be his best bet.
Reaves has chemistry with LeBron James in a way few other players have shown. The last time a role-player showed this level of synchronization with LeBron was Alex Caruso, who the Lakers let go for nothing as a free agent in a horrible move. Caruso was named to the All-Defense First Team this season.
The Lakers will be keen to avoid another Caruso situation and will go out of their way to ensure Reaves stays in the purple and gold next season.
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