Los Angeles Lakers Shooting Guard Austin Reaves is reportedly expected to decline a $14.9 million contract option. Reaves, 27, is reported to expect $30 million per year. Read on for further details and insight, to have an informed opinion.
Austin Reaves Contract Update
NBACentral took to social media on Monday. NBACentral’s post said, “Austin Reaves reportedly wants a contract worth the same as Tyler Herro’s, per Kurt Helin. Reaves will be a free agent. There is zero chance he is picking up his $14.9 million player option, even if he plans to stay with the Lakers. Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways).”
Reaves’ Statement
His recent statement generated mixed reviews on X, formerly Twitter, after NBACentral shared an excerpt from NBAAnalysis.net on Monday. Reaves’ statement centered on his opinion that Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson were the best scorers he has ever seen.
He said, “LeBron is number one [in scoring], but his game doesn’t match a prototypical scorer. It’s also not sexy. LeBron’s game is built on force, sheer will, dedication, his mind, his IQ, the way he is able to dissect and control a game, and power, above anything else. He wills himself to the basket. Now, you have to give the guy credit. As he’s gotten older, he’s become a better jumpshooter. It’s crazy that he’s going to retire the best jump shooter he’s ever been…
“For instance, LeBron has scored more points than Kevin, but Kevin can score in a much bigger variety of ways than LeBron. You can argue with the wall, but that’s just the truth. LeBron doesn’t have half the offensive bag that Kevin has…I would say Kevin [Durant], Carmelo [Anthony], James Harden, Kobe [Bryant], Michael [Jordan], and [Allen] Iverson are the best scorers I’ve ever seen.”
One user stated, “We’ve lost the plot. Scoring is putting the ball into the hoop. Whoever does that at the highest rate, the most, is the best scorer. Everything else is simply showmanship.” Another user responded, “I’d rather have what LeBron has then the ‘bag. ‘ talk has poisoned people’s minds.”
Final Thoughts
The player is following the blueprint of Herro. Reaves’ future with the team is in limbo. They will reportedly still need to explore the trade market for another key piece to become a true threat this upcoming season. Even if he plans to stay, he must show this coming season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Doncic and can step up his game in the NBA Playoffs. We’ll see if he will accept the team’s next contract offer or not.
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