Lakers News: Darvin Ham Sheds Light On LA's Summer Choice To Re-Sign This Free Agent

The Lakers have been very happy with their investment.

Your Los Angeles Lakers summer was seen as one of the best around the league due to the roster construction that took place. One of the key elements of that was LA retaining young shooting guard Austin Reaves on a new four-year, $53.8 million contract.

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham spoke about Reaves and explained why the team retained him this summer.

“Man, Austin is a big-time player,” Ham said. “It’s the reason we wanted him here for the present and the future. Everybody saw what he did to finish last year, what he did for Team USA. He has just grown, grown and grown and he thrives in those moments, those big moments.”

Per Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times

Keeping Reaves in LA was one of the more important parts of the summer for the Lakers. His growth last season helped this team take that next step, and it's been great to see him continue working this year,

His ability to run the offense, while also scoring for himself has been impressive to watch play out. Reaves did struggle early on in the season but has thrived in his new role off the bench.

He is one of the keys to this Lakers offense and they won't be going anywhere without him. Reaves spoke about his big shot against the Phoenix Suns recently and remained humble as ever.

“Honestly, I think my eyes were closed. I don’t know if I was actually flexing. I was just yelling,” he said. “And yeah. Like I said, every game I play is the same. I want to win. Regardless of in-season tournament or not. And that was a good ball club we had to fight off in the second half. And we did just enough to win.”

Per Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times

The Lakers are going to need Reaves to continue growing his game and having the confidence to take big shots. He seems very much up for the challenge and is ready to help this team go even farther this year.

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