Lakers News: Pundit Believes This LA Starter Has Possibly NBA’s Best Vet Contract
When looking at value, fit and production, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to hit a gold mine this summer when they retained Austin Reaves on a four-year deal worth around $54 million. Lakers fans all around had been preparing for rival teams to hand him a massive offer sheet and knew that LA would be willing to match anywhere from $80 million to $100 million. However, even though the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets initially had interest, Reaves and LA were able to come to an agreement with no interruptions from other franchises.
Reaves is not your typical third-year player as he spent a lot of time developing in college and is now 25-years-old. Considering how many scorers will be around him this season, it's not likely he boosts his averages to 20 points and 10 assists per game. However, we know at this point that when the ball does get in his hands, he can make a play most of the time that results in a great look.
The Lakers haven't had an amazing track record of developing their younger players and actually holding onto them over the past couple of years. However, Reaves is homegrown and has been an underdog his entire career. He averaged 17 points, four assists and four boards through LA's playoff run to the WCF and was tasked with matching up against some of the league's best guards.
Therefore, him remaining in LA on that type of deal indeed makes him a steal. ESPN's Tim Bontemps believes that it was among the best signings of the entire summer.
"This is the best move they (LA) all summer, getting this done," said Bontemps. "I know you guys look at me like Austin Reaves, Austin Reaves. They offered Austin Reaves the max they could offer him, there was no negotiation there, among best NBA veteran contracts."(Via Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective)
Reaves' value and stature will only continue to grow in LA!
