Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has put up a string of impressive performances in recent games, including 28 points and a game-winning shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves this week. While those types of performances might not continue at this level with the Lakers, the team recognizes what he brings.
Other NBA teams are also taking notice, and executives are talking. Several believe that Reaves will be among the hot free agents, and that could bring him a sweet payday for his next contract.
"He's always been a very good player, but now he's in a role where he can have the ball and generate a lot of offense. Someone is going to pay him a lot of money next summer," an executive in the Western Conference said, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined, Reaves has helped carry the load of the Lakers. He's currently averaging 34.2 points and 10 assists a game in their absences. While many expect that to change when LeBron, Luka, and other players return from injury, NBA teams will certainly realize his potential.
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Reaves currently has a $14.9 million player option for next year. ESPN's report states that the belief around the NBA is that Reaves' baseline pay would be $30 million a year, which 59 players currently make, if not more.
"I don't think he's going to quite keep up this pace because LeBron will take away touches, but he is good and the Lakers intend to keep him, and he intends to stay, so my guess is it gets done," another executive suggested in ESPN's report.
That same exec believes another team might offer Reaves four years and roughly $180 million to sign, so the Lakers could offer a five-year deal worth slightly more to keep him.
In recent games, he scored 51 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, followed by 41 against the Sacramento Kings. His 51-point performance also featured Reaves grabbing 10 rebounds. His two games against the Timberwolves in the Lakers' recent stretch included 11 and 16 assists.
While LeBron's return this season could diminish Reaves' statistical output, he certainly seems like the type of player Los Angeles would want to keep for the future. That seems even more apparent, since they are also banking on Luka Doncic as their franchise player when LeBron retires, so having a guard like Reaves, familiar with the team and system, could go a long way.