Lakers News: Austin Reaves Inking Lucrative New Shoe Deal
Lakers guard and upcoming free agent Austin Reaves has had a good 2023, to say the least. He emerged as a star on a Lakers team that outperformed expectations, with his 16.9/4.4/4.6 average in the playoffs to thank.
Reaves is one of the most popular names among the upcoming class of free agents. He is just 25-years-old, can play point guard or off-ball, and can shoot the three at a reliable .363 clip.
Now, the former Wichita State Shocker and Oklahoma Sooner is entering the ranks of elite NBA players and fulfilling the dreams of young hoopers across the country by signing a signature shoe deal.
Rigorer, whose website is plastered with images of Reaves, is a Chinese sports company who partnered with Reaves to design the "AR1" shoes, which retail on Rigorer's website for $90.99.
Reaves spoke with The Athletic's Shams Charania to open up about his new seven-figure deal.
"If you'd have told me I'd have had a signature shoe at 18, I'd have looked at you and called you a liar," Reaves said.
(Via @ShamsCharania)
Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021, will earn more than just seven-figures in the next few months when he is likely to be courted by several NBA teams for his signature (hold the shoe).
The Lakers will have a chance to match whatever Reaves is offered, but Reaves' eventual suitor might be willing to cash a check the Lakers cannot.
With a new shoe deal and an upcoming lucrative contract, it might be hard to find someone who has had a better 2023 than Reaves.
"Honestly, I'm blessed to play basketball for a living," Reaves said. "I have to pinch myself sometimes to really understand what's going on."
