Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to consider several factors beyond salary when he enters free agency this summer, according to sources familiar with his thinking cited by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Reaves, 27, is eligible for a five-year, $239 million maximum contract from the Lakers. While the franchise wants to keep him long term, the Arkansas native has repeatedly stated he hopes to spend his entire career in Los Angeles, a sentiment that will influence negotiations, the report said.
If Reaves agrees to a deal below the full max, the Lakers could have additional flexibility to strengthen the roster around stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Team officials are looking to add a high-impact center and perimeter defenders as they attempt to stay competitive with contenders such as the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers can outbid any rival because they hold Reaves’ Bird rights, but outside interest is growing. League sources expect the Brooklyn Nets to offer Reaves a four-year, $178 million maximum contract, and other teams are also monitoring his situation.
Reaves’ relationships with Doncic, James and coach JJ Redick are considered additional factors that could keep him in purple and gold. Free agency opens July 1, and both sides are viewed as optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Source: Lakers Nation
