Austin Reaves Leaves No Doubt Where He Stands On His Next Contract
Austin Reaves has exploded in NBA prominence this season, playing a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers recent resurgence to the .500 mark. He's become a fan favorite, and secured himself a hefty raise in restricted free agency this summer.
No doubt, he loves it in Purple & Gold, and would definitely like to stay in LA, but the small-town kid knows what it's all about in the NBA, and when it comes to his next contract, he's all business.
Austin Reaves says he’d like to stay with the Lakers but the NBA is a business
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 24, 2023
“Anybody that says we don’t play the game for money is lying… I want to make as much money as I can and be as successful as I can no matter where it’s at.”
(Via @pointforward ) pic.twitter.com/b5PqSg2IPa
Appearing on Andre Iguodala's Point Forward podcast, the undrafted Reaves told guest host Evan Turner that he feels, at the age of 24, he's "a couple of contracts behind" players that come into the league at a younger age.
“Anybody that says we don’t play the game for money is lying… I want to make as much money as I can and be as successful as I can no matter where it’s at.”
Doesn't sound like a "hometown discount" is in the cards for the Lakers. Reaves is finishing up a 2-year, $2.5M contract, and he'll be expecting to get paid this summer. And if the Lakers don't step up, there are several teams that would be ready to drop a nice offer in his lap.
In just his second season in the league, Reaves is averaging 12.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 37.8% from downtown in 28 minutes per game.
Photo: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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