Insiders Single Out Lakers Summer Signing As One Of Offseason’s Best

This offseason can be categorized as a major win for your Los Angeles Lakers. Not only did they retain most of their players that helped them reach the Western Conference Finals, but they also upgraded around the margins.

They signed team-friendly contracts that not only give them a strong chance to win this season but also gives them much flexibility going forward as well. However, one contract stands out above the rest, and that comes from guard Austin Reaves.

Reaves signed a new four-year deal with the Lakers this summer, but the team got him for a fraction of what he is actually worth. He really stepped up his game last season and is now being listed as one of the best contracts in the entire NBA.

As part of a larger piece, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com gave his thoughts on the contract for the young guard.

“Not that there was much of a doubt about the Austin Reaves contract when it was signed, but with the way he's played with Team USA this summer, it's quickly proven to be not just the best value of the deals signed this offseason, but the single-best non-max contract in the entire league -- especially as the cap starts to skyrocket. The Los Angeles Lakers are incredibly fortunate no one tried to pry him away, and therefore were able to get him for the next three years.”

Per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com

Reaves will be expected to take that next step in his overall game this year. He will have more control in running the offense, something LA wants to continue working on after it showed much success in the postseason.

With this new contract that Reaves got, does bring new expectations. While he may now be paid like a top-tier player, Reaves has shown the ability to play like one. LA got a steal with Reaves this summer, and it should help them build their team for the next few years.

Elsewhere in the same article, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com broke down why he thinks that Reaves may have the best contract in the NBA.

“Reaves' deal was a massive success by the time the ink dried and instantly became one of the best contracts in the NBA. He's proven himself as a high-caliber starter and secondary playmaker in the playoffs and is just entering his prime. He's a $100 million player who is being paid a little more than half of that because the Lakers benefited from some fine print in the collective bargaining agreement.”

Per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com

This year is going to be a major building season for the formerly undrafted guard. He seems ready to carry the mantle that the Lakers will give him and ready to help lead this team to another title. His overall growth this season is directly going to affect how far this Lakers team can go.

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