Lakers News: Austin Reaves Considered Possible Cornerstone For 2 Rebuilding Franchises
The Los Angeles Lakers have all the freedom in the world when it comes to the future of Austin Reaves and can ensure that he remains with the purple and gold for years to come. Time and time again, we watched Reaves step up when it mattered most this past season and he truly became more than just a fan favorite.
Through everything LA went through in their 2022-2023 campaign, it was the sophomore guard whom LeBron James and Anthony Davis trusted the ball with in key moments all throughout their run to the Western Conference Finals. Reaves was able to improve his game after the trade deadline and boost his averages to 17 points and about five assists on 44% from the field in the first 16 playoff games of his career.
Houston... We Have A Problem
However, as great as Reaves has been for LA and definitely raised his stock this past year, some eyebrows may be raised if their front office has to fork over close to and even over $100 million to bring him back this summer.
This will become a real possibility if another franchise opts to hand Reaves an offer sheet with this sum on it and then the Lakers have to decide if they want to match it (perks of him being an unrestricted free agent). But what team would be willing to do such a thing?
The Athletic's Jovan Buva is sending out warnings that the Houston Rockets may be interested. They have a young core consisting of building blocks in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and could be on the hunt for another guard to boost their talent range. James Harden continues to be linked to return there but Buva thinks Reaves could be their plan B.
"Everybody thinks James Harden to the Rockets has a real shot. But if that doesn’t happen, where do you go from there? Do you make a big offer sheet for Reaves? These are scenarios I think that are plausible, but only time will tell whether they come to fruition."(Via The HoopsHype)
Yet Another Team On The Rise
Unfortunately for LA, the Rockets are not the only team that could be looking at Reaves as a potential leader on their young squad and offer him a big role along with a boatload of money.
The Orlando Magic are going to be a much more attractive destination in a couple of years than most people think and they may start off by proving this with a potential deal for the former Oklahoma guard. Orlando is headlined by reigning Rookie of the Year Paola Banchero, a three-level scorer in Franz Wagner, and a number of other solid pieces.
Buva listed the Magic as yet another squad to look out for.
"To me, a guy like Reaves would theoretically fit their timeline more, given the age of their roster and his ability to shoot. I have heard Orlando will look to upgrade their shooting this offseason."
(Via Hoops Hype)
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