Lakers
Austin Reaves wasted no time finding his rhythm after missing three games, putting up 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds in just 29 minutes during the Lakers’ win over Charlotte.
The 27-year-old has averaged more than 30 points per game through eight outings, continuing his breakout in what could be a massive contract year.
As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports, Reaves and his representatives declined an extension offer this summer worth about $87 million over four years, but the guard emphasized that his decision wasn’t about chasing the biggest possible payday.
“I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it,” Reaves said. “Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a gigantic number that don’t make sense. I want to be here, I want to win.”
Reaves has a player option for 2026-27 but is expected to decline it next summer and test the market. Based on current cap projections, he could earn up to $240 million over five years with the Lakers or $178 million over four years elsewhere.
McMenamin notes that comparable shooting guards like Tyler Herro and Jordan Poole earn about 20 percent of the salary cap, which would translate to roughly $33 million annually for Reaves.
One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that Reaves would be a prime target if he becomes available.
“If I were the Nets, I would throw all the money at him,” the exec said.
Off the court, Reaves has developed an easy chemistry with Luka Doncic, something head coach JJ Redick believes adds to the Lakers’ balance.
“They both realized they enjoy talking trash — a lot,” Redick said with a smile. “Their personalities are similar that way, and that’s helped them click.”
Redick added that he’s challenged Reaves to embrace a leadership role alongside LeBron James and Doncic.
“He’s no longer the undrafted guy,” Redick said. “He’s one of our main guys now, and he’s been very responsive to that.”
Grizzlies
Forward Brandon Clarke is nearing a return for Memphis after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in September.
The Grizzlies said Tuesday that Clarke has been cleared to ramp up basketball activities and should be back in six to nine weeks.
The 29-year-old hasn’t played since March 19, when a PCL sprain ended his season. Clarke previously missed significant time after tearing his Achilles in 2023.
Before going down last spring, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game across 64 appearances.
Clarke’s presence will be a welcome addition for the Grizzlies, who had an +8.2 net rating with him on the floor last year compared to +3.0 when he sat. If his recovery stays on track, he could be back around Christmas.
Memphis is also expecting second-year center Zach Edey to return soon after being assigned to the G League for practice reps.
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are awaiting further tests on Darius Garland after he re-injured his left big toe, the same one that required offseason surgery.
According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, there was “palpable concern” following Monday’s 140-138 overtime loss in Miami.
Garland came up limping twice in the game and ultimately committed a foul to exit early. The team ruled him out for the remainder of the contest and said he would be evaluated further Tuesday.
It’s a discouraging development for Cleveland, as Garland had only recently returned from surgery that repaired a turf toe injury suffered during last year’s playoffs.
He averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists last season while shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, earning his second All-Star nod.
Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. could all see expanded minutes if Garland is sidelined again.
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!
