Lakers News: West Rival With Max Cap Space Interested In Free Agent Austin Reaves

Can they snag him from LA?

The Lakers have a ton questions that they need answered as the offseason begins. One of which includes the status of restricted free agent Austin Reaves. Reaves took a major jump forward in his development as a player this season and the team would love to have him back. But other teams noticed the growth of Reaves and one in particular may try to lure him away from Los Angeles with their large amount of cap space.

According to Michael Scotto from HoopsHype and Rockets insider Kelly Iko from The Athletic, Houston has major interest in Reaves. However, the interest will only take hold if they aren't able to bring star guard James Harden back to town. The two spoke recently about the Rockets interest in the Lakers free agent guard

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Should Harden not come to Houston, the Rockets are expected to have interest in Lakers restricted free agent Austin Reaves, I’m told."

Scotto per HoopsHype

Iko confirmed the report by saying that "Reaves is a guy they like a lot". 

It makes sense why Houston would be interested in Reaves as they are a young team with the intent on pushing their rebuild forward. However, all inclinations are that the Lakers have no interest in letting Reaves walk and will make whatever deal comes their way via an offer sheet.

In 64 games this season for Los Angeles, Reaves averaged 13.0 points per game and shot 39.8 percent from beyond the three-point line. But it was in the postseason where he game really stepped up. Over the teams 16 playoff games, his averages increased to 16.9 points per game and added in 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds a game as well. 

Austin Reaves’ rise continues. He went undrafted two summers ago. Now, he’s playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup and set to be one of the top restricted free agents this offseason. https://t.co/8IHFWCdeaX

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) June 4, 2023

He showed that he could handle the bright lights of postseason basketball effectively and Reaves has become a fan favorite with the Lakers.

While other teams have interest in him, he likely will be a Laker next season. It's a good thing when opposing teams want players from the Lakers because it just means something is working well. 

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