Why The Lakers Must Offer Austin Reaves 4-year $50 Million Contract
Austin Reaves has impressed in his two seasons with the Lakers. Reaves had a great rookie campaign but has improved drastically this season.
REPORT: Austin Reaves is looking at a deal in the 4 year/$50M range this off-season.
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 20, 2023
That’s the maximum the Lakers can offer him. Do you think he deserves that contract? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/k2X4FwDlKY
According to Shams Charania, Reaves will receive a deal in the $50 million range. The max that LA can offer him is a four-year $50 million deal, and they should give him that.
His production and importance to the team are off the charts. This season, Reaves is averaging 12/3/3 while shooting 51.8% from the field and 38% from three.
AR getting a much-deserved water bath after his career night 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/BFFv3emkFO
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 20, 2023
Reaves carried the team on Sunday in a must-win game against the Orlando Magic. He finished with a career-high 35 points, shooting 9-14, and had six rebounds and six assists.
It was the best game of his young career, and he helped the Lakers climb back up to the 10th seed in the West. Reaves has taken on a bigger role with LeBron James out and thrived. His performance was much needed as other players, including Anthony Davis, struggled offensively. The defense’s attention gravitated to Davis, as he faced constant double and triple teams.
Austin Reaves on the support from LeBron James 😅
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 20, 2023
“For SportsCenter for airing me out for a post I made in 2012 about LeBron, I appreciate that. For him to accept me the way that he accepted me from day one… stuff like that means a lot to me."pic.twitter.com/WyT1QZj6jM
In ten games in March, Reaves leads the league in bench scoring with nearly 18 points per game. He has developed significantly as an offensive player, as he can create his own shot and get his teammates involved.
Reaves is also a good defender, making him a two-way player. The Lakers have lost some of their young core in the past and can’t do the same thing with Reaves.
He is only in his second season and has taken a big leap as a player. At 24 years old, Reaves should only get better as he enters the prime of his career.
AR YOU A BAD MUTHA...SHUT YO MOUTH!!! You toooooo TOUGH!! 🔥🔥🔥🫡👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 20, 2023
Giving him a four-year $50 million deal ($12.5 million annually) is fair for the production he brings night in and night out.
Rob Pelinka must offer Reaves this contract to keep him with the Lakers long-term.