The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Austin Reaves both want to continue their partnership, according to statements made on May 12 by team general manager Rob Pelinka. Reaves, who has been with the Lakers for five seasons, is expected to opt out of his contract this summer and enter free agency.
Reaves started his career with the Lakers as an undrafted player on a two-way contract and has since developed into a key contributor for the team. His performance this season included averages of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
Pelinka said during his annual end-of-season press conference, “Austin Reaves started his NBA odyssey with the Lakers on that court right over there. I remember it was a Draft workout, in fact I was talking to Austin [Monday] night, he was having a pregame meal, and we were talking about how drained and exhausted he was by the Draft workout process and somehow he mustered up strength to have a great Lakers workout. I remember actually being here with my son watching that, which was one of the turning points of getting him here. Just that workout and how he approached it.”
“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker. And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold,” Pelinka said.
Reaves addressed reporters after the season ended regarding his upcoming free agency: “I’m gonna be honest. Like I said, I’ve been around for five years. Y’all, I would say know me pretty well… But I don’t think about much. I take life day-by-day, and I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization,” Reaves said.
“I play a kid’s game; I make good money. Like I said, I don’t think about what I’m really gonna do in the future. I’m just day-by-day.”
If negotiations are successful between both sides this offseason, Reaves could sign a new deal worth up to five years at $241 million.
