Austin Reaves told NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN on “The Lowe Post” podcast that he thought about leaving the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason for the San Antonio Spurs to play with Victor Wembanyama.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported in August that the Spurs considered two offer sheets for Reaves: a maximum offer of roughly $100 million over four years and another for three years and $60 million.
Reaves re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $56.3 million contract in restricted free agency. The guard 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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Victor Wembanyama, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
The 25-year-old Reaves took his game to another level in the 2023 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.
Reaves is arguably the third-best player on the Lakers behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Over the last two NBA seasons, the Lakers are 13-26 without Reaves in the lineup and 63-62 when the rising star plays. In addition, the Lakers are three points better defensively with Reaves on the court.
Reaves developed a good rapport with LeBron 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 Buha, Los Angeles plans on running more of its offense through Reaves moving forward.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Austin Reaves, Victor Wembanyama, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs 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.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
