The Los Angeles Lakers were very busy this NBA offseason making moves to continue upgrading their roster. After making a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals, general manager Rob Pelinka made sure he did everything he could to ensure the team can find similar success next season.
For years, the best way to build a team around LeBron James was to surround him with shooters and players that can get the job done defensively. After attempting a different strategy and acquiring Russell Westbrook during the 2021 offseason, Pelinka went back to the bread and butter.
One of the players who has been key to that turnaround is Austin Reaves. Undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2021, Reaves quickly made a name for himself on a two-way contract, earning playing time throughout the season.
He was someone whose skill set fit well alongside James, quickly developing into a key part of their rotation. Last season, his production took another step in the right direction and things truly took off in the postseason.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In 16 playoff games, all starts, Reaves averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 36.2 minutes per game. He was extremely efficient with a shooting split of .464/.443/.895, putting himself in a position for a lucrative contract as a free agent.
Reaves ended up signing a four-year, $53,827,872 contract to remain with the Lakers. Los Angeles was ecstatic about that, as the deal presents excellent value. If he continues producing as he did last season, he will outperform that contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
They also should be counting their lucky stars as Reaves was nearly offered a contract he wouldn’t have been able to refuse. As shared by NBACentral on Twitter, the San Antonio Spurs considered offering Reaves a contract that would have been worth $100 million over four seasons.
Had the Spurs actually made that offer, it would be hard to imagine Reaves remaining in Los Angeles. That would have been a lot of money to turn down as the Spurs’ offer was nearly double what the Lakers ended up paying Reaves as a restricted free agent.
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