Austin Reaves may be in line for the biggest payday of his career.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers guard is seeking a maximum contract as he heads toward free agency this summer.
Reaves is widely expected to decline his player option and test the market after completing another strong season in Los Angeles. The former undrafted guard averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field.
Not bad for a guy who entered the league without hearing his name called on draft night.
While rival teams are expected to show interest, most league observers continue to view the Lakers as the overwhelming favorite to retain Reaves. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps recently reported that the Nets could emerge as a potential suitor, though Brooklyn remains in the early stages of a rebuild after finishing 20-62.
Meanwhile, Reaves has developed strong relationships with both Luka Doncic and coach JJ Redick, adding to the belief that he ultimately stays in Los Angeles.
The bigger question may be what a new contract looks like.
Reaves has steadily evolved from a role player into one of the league’s more productive guards, and players around the NBA who produce at his level typically get paid accordingly. Whether the Lakers view him as a max player remains to be seen.
The timing is also notable.
Los Angeles enters a pivotal offseason with LeBron James again headed toward free agency. While league executives largely expect James either to re-sign with the Lakers or potentially finish his career with the Cavaliers, his future remains one of the NBA’s biggest storylines.
That said, the focus in Los Angeles may be shifting toward Reaves.
A few years ago, the Lakers were thrilled to uncover one of the league’s biggest undrafted success stories. Now, they may have to pay him like a superstar.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
