Los Angeles Lakers’ young gun Austin Reaves has increased the hype around with his incredible play in the current season. Despite the best play, they did not make the NBA Finals. But AR caught everybody’s attention. Clearly, he will be an asset for the future to the Lakers or whichever team he gets traded to. Reaves joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 and has faced an incredible journey so far.
Initially, Austin Reaves did not get drafted. However, later, he signed with the Lakers for a two-year contract. And at the end of the second season of his NBA career, Austin Reaves is one of the most desired players of the offseason. As LeBron James said about him, he really blossomed into this great offensive player with a high IQ. Moreover, to retain the future star, the Lakers’ front office is willing to offer him a maximum of $50 million contract. But there are teams who can offer him a minimum of $90 million contract for four years. What will Austin Reaves do, then?
Three Teams With Better Cap Space Than Lakers Can Steal AR Away
Reportedly, there are other teams like Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs who can easily offer Austin Reaves more than $100 million because of their cap space. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, any of these three teams are a potential threat to steal Reaves from the Los Angeles Lakers. The problem with the Lakers is the presence of the top two players – LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Due to this, there is not much scope in their cap space. But those three teams are planning to get as many quality players as they can with their cap space.
Houston Rockets did not have a great season, but they are willing to bounce back with Ime Udoka as the new head coach. Moreover, they plan to acquire James Harden and other stars as well. On the other hand, San Antonio Spurs are looking to have the most anticipated Victor Wemabanyama, along with Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, in the supporting cast. Meanwhile, Orlando Magic will try to have a roster with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and increase their star power. Hence, any young team trying to build a winning culture would be an ideal place for a player of AR’s caliber. Moreover, he is adaptable and a hot commodity now.
Austin Reaves Wants To Stay With Los Angeles Lakers
The NBA community, with coaches and franchise front offices, has seen what kind of winning mentality and ability Austin Reaves possesses. Hence, they would love for him to join their roster. Moreover, any team will be lucky to have him. He is young and has got a long career remaining to achieve great things in his career. However, AR says that he wants to stay with Los Angeles Lakers forever.
Moreover, he grew up watching Kobe Bryant, and his love for the Lakers kept growing with age. Hence, it has been a dream to play for the Lakers. Moreover, the Los Angeles Lakers want the same thing too. They want to keep him, but the cap space of the franchise is the primary problem. In the offseason, AR and Rui Hachimura are restricted free agents.