LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Austin Reaves went 3-for-16 from the field and scored eight points in Tuesday’s Game 1 loss to Oklahoma City, dropping his postseason shooting mark to 30.4%. The fifth-year guard, who missed roughly four weeks with an oblique strain, acknowledged his struggles without offering excuses. “I mean, nobody cares about that,” Reaves said. “I’ve got to go out there and play better.”
LeBron James pointed to Reaves’ extended layoff as a factor, saying the guard’s “presence alone helps us no matter what.” With Luka Doncic sidelined, Sam Amick of The Athletic noted the Lakers will need greater production from Reaves to challenge the defending champions.
Reaves is expected to decline a $14.9 million player option next month to enter free agency. Columnist Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times wrote that continued poor performances could dampen enthusiasm for a major long-term contract, but Amick reported that Los Angeles still views re-signing Reaves as an offseason priority.
Suns weighing Gillespie price
Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports examined what it might take for Phoenix to retain breakout guard Collin Gillespie. A four-year package comparable to T.J. McConnell’s $45 million deal is viewed as reasonable, while the Suns could reach approximately $67 million over four years using Gillespie’s Early Bird rights. Bourguet is doubtful the 26-year-old will command the full maximum.
Phoenix unlikely landing spot for Gordon
Although Denver could explore trading forward Aaron Gordon this summer, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported that the Suns are not expected to pursue the veteran due to concerns about his injury history.
Green wants to finish career with Warriors
Warriors forward Draymond Green told TNT’s Inside The NBA on Wednesday that he cannot envision playing for another team as long as Golden State wants him. Marc J. Spears of Andscape added that Green recently delivered the same message privately.
Source: HoopsRumors
