NBA Rumors: "Multiple Teams" Have Lakers' Fan Favorite On Their Free Agency Radar

Reports are that the new post-trade deadline incarnation of the Los Angeles Lakers has impressed the front office so much (last game notwithstanding) that they'd like to keep the band together for next season. That will mean needing to re-sign a couple of key pieces in free agency. Not the least of which is guard Austin Reeves. 

But according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, they will have some competition.

There are going to be multiple suitors for Reaves. I think his season has flown under the radar at times where you could really make a case, and I would make this case, that on balance, he’s been the Lakers’ third-best player this season.

Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype agrees that Reaves has caught the attention of many of the Lakers' rivals. "I’ve also heard multiple teams have Reaves on their free agency radar," said Scotto, while adding "Both Reaves and the Lakers want to get a deal done, I’ve been told."

How badly do the Lakers want to keep Reaves? The two insiders insist that Jeanie Buss refused to include him in their offers to the Brooklyn Nets for Kyrie Irving. 

Jeanie Buss was reportedly against Austin Reaves being included in any package for Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline.

- @jovanbuha + @MikeAScotto

— 🦉 Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) March 16, 2023

Reaves can defend multiple positions, and, as noted by Buha, has played everything from point guard to small forward this season. As for being a Laker, he said recently it's like a dream come true. "I love being in Los Angeles, and I love being a Laker. Kobe Bryant was my favorite player growing up, so getting an opportunity to play for the Lakers is a big blessing."

We'll see this summer if the two sides can extend that blessing into the future. 

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports