Lakers News: How Austin Reaves Plans To Spend Some Of His New Contract
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves's life completely changed this summer when he signed a four-year deal worth $53.8 million.
It’s a good amount more than Reaves had been earning and is a testament to his work ethic over his first two seasons. Reaves deserved the deal and more with his play.
He quickly became one of the more important players on the Lakers roster, and LA couldn’t afford to let him leave this summer. They made quick work and signed him for the foreseeable future.
Reaves likes to think of himself as a low-key individual, and rightfully so. Nicknamed the “Hillbilly Kobe” due to growing up in Arkansas, Reaves still maintains a low profile despite being a fan favorite with the Lakers.
He is a household name now throughout the name, but as a member of the Lakers, things are about to get even bigger for him, as he himself relayed to Dan Woike of The LA Times.
“It obviously changes things in the fact that me and my family, my friends, don’t have to worry about that part of life anymore,” Reaves said. “Like, if you’re good with me, you’re good on that standard. But my everyday life, I don’t think anything really will change. It’s not like I’m going to go out and buy the craziest stuff or things like that."
However, even with the newly added fame and fortune, Reaves talked about what he is going to do with some of the money he will be getting from his new deal and how it won’t change him.
“Two years ago, Austin Reaves was fighting for a spot on the Lakers’ roster. Now he’s a guard with Team USA. Eventually he’ll get a watch — “one good watch that I like” — but otherwise don’t expect him to get flashy all of a sudden. “Sweats and a hoodie everywhere, can’t beat it,” he said.”
Even his opponents have started to understand just how good Reaves is.
“This ain’t no underdog s--- no more,” Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges said of Reaves. “He’s here.”
Reaves is expected to take another jump in his game this season. If he can, the Lakers will be in great shape. His playing for Team USA right now probably is helping, as he can stay fresh during the offseason before the new season starts.
He is one of the key players for LA this season, and it's going to be fun to watch his growth all season long.
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