Lakers SG Austin Reaves: 'Top Target' For Magic?

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves would join a crowded backcourt if he signed with the Orlando Magic.

After taking two guards in the 2023 NBA Draft, could another one be on their way to the Orlando Magic?

Bleacher Report broke down the top target for each team and said the Orlando Magic should go after "Austin Reaves' playmaking." Reaves averaged 13 points and 3.4 assists per game and shot 52.9 percent in 2023. 

Reaves is a restricted free agent, meaning the Lakers can match any offer to the guard. While adding another guard may seem unnecessary, Bleacher Report said signing Reeves would make it tougher for opposing defenses. 

"They already have a decent amount of playmaking from Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but Reaves wouldn't take opportunities away from the young core," Bleacher Report writes. He'd just make it harder for defenses to key in on any of the above. Reaves can play both on or off the ball, and having multiple creators on the floor at once makes an attack more difficult to game-plan against."

At 25 years old, Reaves would fit right in with Orlando's young core, though the price tag and fit are worth questioning. 

With Reaves being a restricted free agent, Orlando would likely have to overpay for him to ensure Los Angeles doesn't match the offer sheet. The Magic also added two guards through the draft, Anthony Black and Jett Howard. 

Reaves' improvement last season, plus his playoff experience make him worth pursuing for Orlando, but the fit and contract should make them wary of what they'd be willing to pay to acquire the young guard.

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