There is some cautious optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers for this coming NBA season. They secured a major upgrade at the center position, which was their biggest weakness when last season ended, by signing Deandre Ayton, and they also brought in former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. In addition, Luka Doncic has dropped plenty of weight and gotten into fantastic shape this summer.
But there is something hanging over the franchise’s head, and it is the fact that guard Austin Reaves is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. Many feel the Lakers will eventually re-sign him, but the math involved in keeping him and still building a championship-caliber team around Doncic will become very complicated.
Advertisement
It also isn’t a foregone conclusion that Reaves will remain in Los Angeles. According to insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the San Antonio Spurs are one team that is “keeping a close eye” on him.
“League sources say the San Antonio Spurs and other teams are keeping a close eye on Reaves’ free agency.” Irwin wrote.
The Sours might seem like a curious choice for Reaves since they seem loaded in the backcourt. They traded for De’Aaron Fox midway through last season, and they also have reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, solid veteran Devin Vassell and incoming rookie Dylan Harper.
Reaves averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game while shooting 46% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range. His scoring average and shooting percentages rose after Doncic arrived in early February, and some feel the undrafted Arkansas native will take yet another jump forward when it comes to his production this season.
The belief around the NBA is that he will earn at least $30 million on his next contract.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Insider names team that will be ‘keeping a close eye’ on Austin Reaves