NBA fans love a breakout star. Why wouldn’t they? An unexpected star makes for a good story. On some level, it makes us feel like anything can happen. If he can do it, can’t anyone?
Well, no. Still, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers certainly makes you feel that way.
This is not a player who was expected to be the third banana on a Conference Finals run in 2022-23.
He’ll also be hitting free agency this summer. The Lakers may not be able to retain him. Reaves will have a robust market.
The Lakers will surely work hard to keep him, regardless of what their other offseason plans include. The team has already communicated continuity as a priority. Can they keep him, though?
Here are three teams that we think should take a look at him.