Austin Reaves Will Be Playing Friday Against Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves confirmed to reporters that he'll be playing in Friday's preseason contest against the Golden State Warriors. The up-and-coming guard posted a solid performance in his first preseason action against the Nets on Monday. He dropped 18 points 5-for-7 shooting from the floor and added two rebounds and two assists. Four of his five made shots were from downtown. Reaves is looking at an important role for the Lakers this year as he has shown that the can be a big contributor to the offense. He should be a late-round sleeper that could help a lot of fantasy teams if he can grow his all-around game.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (rest) won't play in Saturday's preseason meeting with the Golden State Warriors. The 25-year-old had a breakout season in 2022-23, averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 64 games. He also shot 39.8% from deep. As a result, LA rewarded him with a four-year, $56 million contract extension in the offseason. The Lakers play their next exhibition on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. However, with Reaves having competed for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup over the summer, head coach Darvin Ham could keep him off the floor for that one as well to preserve his body for the grueling season ahead.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves scored a team-high 15 points in Team USA's win over Greece on Monday. He added six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. The 25-year-old, who signed a four-year, $54 million extension with LA this offseason, has played well throughout the FIBA World Cup. Reaves' fantasy appeal was already high after last season's breakout. However, he'll draw even more interest if he stays as productive the rest of the way.
Austin Reaves Believes Many Still Doubt His Ability
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves has played a vital role in an NBA Western Conference Finals run and is gearing up to suit up for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, but the 25-year-old feels that a lot of people still have doubts in his ability. "I don't think (my mentality) shifts at all," Reaves told Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "I think there's still a good majority of people that probably still don't think I'm that good or any good at all." The man from Newark, Arkansas appears eager to improve his play further in 2023-24, which is great news for fantasy managers.
Spurs Considered Paying $21 Million Per Year For Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves has already signed a new four-year deal with the team that is worth $56 million. According to Michael Scott of HoopsHype, however, the San Antonio Spurs once considered offering the up-and-coming wing $21 million a season which would have pushed his total contract to $84 million. Ultimately, they decided to keep more cap space and flexibility, especially after drafting Victor Wembanyama.
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves is returning to the team on a four-year, $56 million contract. Reaves was expected to be targeted by a number of teams after his breakout 2022-23 campaign, and with him being a restricted free agent, there was a danger of massive offer sheets coming his way, but the Lakers managed to work out a good deal with the 25-year-old. He's set to be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts for the 2023-24 campaign after averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists with 46.4 percent three-point shooting in the 2023 playoffs.
Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura Receive Qualifying Offers
The Los Angeles Lakers extended qualifying offers to swingman Austin Reaves and forward Rui Hachimura on Tuesday. Not much of a surprise here, as the move comes merely as a formality with both players officially becoming restricted free agents. It would be a surprise, though, to see either of them accept the deals, considering they could aim for higher salaries even by staying with the Lakers. In any event, it's a sign that Los Angeles desires to keep the role players around, but perhaps with Reaves signifying greater priority. The three-level scorer was a revelation this season, particularly in the playoffs as Reaves compiled 16.9 points 4.6 assists, and 2.4 threes per game on a 44% clip from beyond the arc. Hachimura wasn't as significant a factor, but the scoring wing still posted a decent 12.2 points and 1.2 threes on 48.7% shooting from deep during the postseason.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to match any offer coming Austin Reaves' way in free agency. The 25-year-old restricted free agent looks set to stay in the team, with Stein noting on Substack that the Lakers are ready to pay the big bucks even if some team signs Reaves to the maximum allowable offer sheet worth nearly $100 million over four years. The Newark, Arkansas native made big strides in L.A. last season and should be a popular man in fantasy drafts ahead of 2023-24.
Restricted free-agent shooting guard Austin Reaves is expected to draw a lot of interest around the league when free agency begins, and the Houston Rockets could be among the front-runners for his services. "Reaves is a guy they like a lot," said The Athletic's Rockets beat writer Kelly Iko on the HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto. Scotto mentioned that a potential deal for Reaves depends on whether James Harden returns to Houston or not. Reaves just finished his second NBA season, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 28.8 minutes during the regular season. He took his numbers to 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is set to become a restricted free agent once the season concludes. It is being reported that Reaves is expected to receive significant interest and potential offer sheets from several teams this summer. He's not currently allowed to talk about it publicly, but Reaves having a big market isn't surprising. Other teams can offer Reaves a contract up to a four years and a projected $98.7 million. The Lakers are able to match any of the offers that Reaves receives. He averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting over 44 percent from deep this past season.
