Lakers News: Insider Predicts Restricted Free Agency Of Austin Reaves

Will the purple and gold be able to retain 'Hillbilly Kobe'?

Your Los Angeles Lakers went into the 2021 draft not having a single draft pick. The one draft pick they did have was the 21st overall pick ended up being Isaiah Jackson, who went to the Indiana Pacers. 

That resulted in the Lakers brass focusing on the rookie free agents, and once again, they did not disappoint. However, it didn't seem that way; the Lakers signed guard Austin Reaves from Oklahoma University in early August 2021. The signing wasn't a big deal then, but it now looks like highway robbery committed by the Buss family. 

Reaves is playing some of his best basketball as of late, and the timing couldn't have come at a better time—both for the Lakers' playoff hopes and Reaves. The 24-year-old will be a restricted free agent after this season and will be looking at some big money. 

NBA insider Shams Charania and a panel of experts believe Reaves is worth it. 

Breaking down the rise of Lakers guard Austin Reaves and what lies ahead in free agency – on Run It Back at @fandueltv: pic.twitter.com/DCUdQ8HuDK

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 20, 2023

As Shams said, the most the Lakers can offer Austin is a four-year deal worth $50.8 million. Unfortunately for the Lakers, other teams can offer him more money, and it looks like he'll be worth the money. 

Reaves is having an incredible second season and has played an insane stretch of basketball. In his last five games, he's averaged 22.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. He's playing solid defense, and his ability to play make has been off the charts. 

The Lakers shouldn't be overthinking this one; they must resign Reaves. They cannot let him go as they did with Alex Caruso. Reaves has proven to be a real threat on the court, he fits perfectly next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and he has no real weakness on the court. 

The former Sooner is showing to be the real deal and is doing so in the biggest market he could be a part of. He'll be a hot commodity this summer, and LA must do what they can to keep Hillbilly Kobe, or else they'll regret it.  

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!