Austin Reaves Signs Lucrative Four-Year Contract to Stay with the Los Angeles Lakers

Austin Reaves, the free-agent shooting guard, has agreed to a lucrative four-year, $56 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources from The Athletic. The deal, which includes a player option on the fourth year, a 15 percent trade kicker, and the maximum advance allowable, solidifies Reaves’ future with the team.

Reaves initially joined the Lakers on a two-way contract before earning a standard minimum contract during the 2021 NBA training camp. However, his impressive performances over the past two years have now earned him a significant pay raise. Last season, the 25-year-old averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He played a crucial role in leading the Lakers to the conference finals, where he contributed 16.9 points and 4.6 assists per game in the postseason.

The Lakers were determined to retain Reaves and went all out to secure his services. They managed to dissuade other teams from offering him a four-year max offer sheet worth around $100 million. If Reaves had been an unrestricted free agent, he would likely have commanded a contract well over $100 million, given his age and his performance as the third-best player on a team that reached the Western Conference finals. Reaves also caught the attention of Team USA, who invited him to play on the World Championships roster this summer.

Looking ahead, the Lakers plan to increase Reaves’ involvement in their offense next season, utilizing his point guard skills. He has shown flashes of his potential in his first two years in the league, and the team sees him as a cornerstone of their franchise.

Reaves’ journey to the NBA has been remarkable. After starting his college career at Wichita State, he transferred to Oklahoma after his sophomore season. Despite averaging impressive numbers of 18.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game as a senior for the Sooners, he went undrafted.

Reaves’ ability to step up in crucial moments and deliver when needed has made him a valuable asset for the Lakers. His scoring outbursts in the playoffs were instrumental in the team’s success, and he averaged an impressive 21.3 points per game during the Western Conference finals.

The signing of Reaves is seen as a significant move for the Lakers, who have now secured a talented shooting guard to complement stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Reaves’ contract in place, the team can focus on building a strong supporting cast around their core players.

Fans can read more about Reaves’ impact on the Lakers’ offense and his value to the team in The Athletic’s in-depth coverage. Subscribers can also access exclusive stories and enjoy comprehensive coverage of their favorite players, teams, leagues, and clubs.

How did Reaves’ performance on the court contribute to the Lakers’ decision to offer him a hefty contract?

Have successfully done so with a hefty contract offer. The team recognizes his talent and value on the court, and they see him as an important piece in their future plans.

Reaves’ journey with the Lakers started as a two-way player, showcasing his skills and potential. He quickly impressed the coaching staff and management, earning a standard minimum contract during the 2021 NBA training camp.

Over the past two years, Reaves has consistently shown his worth on the court. Last season, he excelled, averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His contributions were instrumental in the Lakers’ success, particularly in the conference finals, where he stepped up with 16.9 points and 4.6 assists per game in the postseason.

The Lakers knew they had a gem in Reaves and were determined to keep him on their roster. They offered him a lucrative four-year, $56 million contract that includes a player option for the fourth year, a 15 percent trade kicker, and the maximum advance allowable. This deal not only secures Reaves’ future with the team but also reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities.

With this contract, Reaves joins the ranks of well-paid NBA players and receives the recognition and compensation he deserves for his hard work and exceptional performances. The Lakers are thrilled to have him on board and are excited to see how he continues to contribute to the team’s success in the future.