The Los Angeles Lakers have an enormous drawback on their fingers proper now.
They reportedly wish to preserve Austin Reaves there for the long term, as they need to, however they may not be capable to afford it.
He’s in for an enormous payday in his subsequent contract, and it’s laborious to consider he’s going to go on that chance simply to present them a hometown low cost.
With that in thoughts, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report predicted how a lot cash he’d get in his subsequent contract, and it’s laborious to consider the Lakers will be capable to meet his monetary aspirations:
“Reaves is sort of positive to say no his $14.9 million participant choice for the 2026-27 season to discover unrestricted free company subsequent summer time, searching for a wage within the $30 million beginning vary. Essentially the most he can prolong for ($19.5 million) is much wanting that quantity. Any group buying him would wish behind-the-scenes assurances that he’d re-sign at a pre-arranged worth, though they wouldn’t be technically authorized or binding,” Pincus mentioned.
Reaves was the Lakers’ third-best participant final season, and he stepped up huge time when Luka Doncic or LeBron James couldn’t play.
Although Doncic’s presence would possibly make him considerably expendable, they confirmed that they will coexist on the court docket.
Granted, he didn’t look good within the playoffs, however he’s been considered one of their greatest playoff performers for years now, to not point out a homegrown participant who went from an undrafted free agent to a reliable two-way starter.
Even so, except LeBron James agrees to take a pay reduce to construct a aggressive group, Reaves will almost certainly be on his manner out.
And judging by his youth, work ethic, and profitable affect, there must be no scarcity of suitors lining as much as commerce for him.
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