Insider Predicts How Lakers Will Handle Free Agents Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers power forward Rui Hachimura and shooting guard Austin Reaves have emerged as probably the top two priorities for LA in free agency this summer. They'll be restricted free agents this summer, meaning Los Angeles will be able to match any offer extended their way.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes the Lakers should hold onto Hachimura and Reaves, with one major caveat.
If Los Angeles is confident it can add All-NBA LA small forward's old Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving, as an unrestricted free agent, Bailey believes the club should do what it can to ensure that happens.
Assuming Irving, who yours truly thinks would be way more trouble than he's worth, returns to the Mavericks this summer, Bailey is convinced LA should focus on its "continuity" and keep those two players intact.
Bailey notes that Hachimura's addition and Reaves' elevation into a starting role were two of the principle components to push LA from its dismal 2-10 start to a 43-39 regular season record and a playoff run to the Western Conference Finals. Their ability to spread the floor by raining jumpers gave stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis plenty of room to operate inside the paint, creating a lethal offensive attack.
Reaves also thrived as a supplemental ball handler, helping alleviate some of the pressure from James. Hachimura, at least during the playoffs, was automatic from all over the floor.
Bailey believes that, so long as the offers tendered to both players "aren't absurd," this young dynamic duo of 25-year-olds is worth keeping.
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