During an interview with NBA writer Sam Yip of HoopsHype, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves admitted it was a “big relief” to sign a long-term extension this summer. The Arkansas native signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Lakers in restricted NBA free agency.
“Hell yeah! That’s kind of how it’s always been my whole life,” Reaves said. “I’ve really bet on myself and really always just knew I needed an opportunity. Just put my foot down and the rest will take care of itself. I’ll figure out something to do and to at least be on the team and help the team so that was really it and hell yeah, it’s a big relief.”
Reaves, who is an undrafted player, averaged 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while shooting 52.9% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 86.4% from the free-throw line. The 25-year-old took his game to another level in the 2023 NBA postseason, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 16 games versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis next season. The purple and gold got swept by the Nuggets in the 2023 NBA conference finals but improved their roster this summer. General manager Rob Pelinka added Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes in free agency this offseason.
Reaves has career NBA averages of 10.2 points and 2.6 assists with the Lakers. He developed a good rapport with James and Davis last season and it sounds like the Lakers are going to put the ball in his hands more often next season, as according to NBA reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles plans on running more of its offense through Reaves moving forward.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
“The Lakers plan on running more of their offense through Reaves next season, unlocking the point guard skills he’s flashed through his first two years in the league, according to team sources not authorized to speak publicly,” Buha wrote.
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