Simply days earlier than the beginning of the common season, and the Los Angeles Lakers could have obtained some regarding information relating to Austin Reeves. In accordance with the Ringers’ Zach Lowe, Reaves may conceivably command a contract value $40 million a yr as soon as he hits free company subsequent summer time.
That’s if he has a robust contract yr. The Lakers ought to hope that he has an All-Star caliber season. Nonetheless, would Lakers followers actually really feel comfy paying him $40 million yearly over the following 4 years?
That’s debatable contemplating that he’s an offense-only participant, albeit an more and more proficient one. He had a breakout 2024-25 season, posting 20.2 factors, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, and performed even higher as soon as the group acquired Luka Doncic.
That hints that he might be an ideal long-term offensive match alongside Doncic, however he’s maybe higher served as a 3rd choice, not a second choice. That’s what makes the prospect of paying him $40 million yearly so questionable.
The Lakers ought to commerce Austin Reaves for a real star
In spite of everything, the wage cap for the 2026-2027 season is projected to be $165 million, with $40+ million being an enormous chunk of that. Alternatively, that will solely be 24.2% of the wage cap, which is the going price for an above-average starter.
Nonetheless, if the Lakers can improve by buying and selling Reaves, then they need to. The obvious choice is Milwaukee Bucks superstarGiannis Antetokounmpo. He’s extra of a shoot for the stratosphere, pie within the sky, commerce goal.
Even so, the Lakers have a protracted historical past of touchdown superstars (see the Doncic commerce), and Reaves having a robust begin to the season would make that commerce a bit extra attainable. Constructing a contending group round two guards who’re terrific offensive gamers and poor defensive gamers is extraordinarily laborious to do. In reality, it could be extra hassle than it’s value for the Lakers to do.
In consequence, pairing a Doncic with a real co-star is a greater choice than paying Reaves large bucks subsequent summer time. Giannis can be the proper choice, although there are probably others too.
All advised, the Lakers needs to be cautious of paying Reaves 40 million a season, even when he has a robust yr. With rumors swirling that they might have an outdoor likelihood of touchdown a celebrity comparable to Antetokounmpo, there are different choices relating to his future.
