LA Lakers Rumors: Austin Reaves Has Deep-Pocketed Suitor In Western Conference

There are certainly a lot of teams around the NBA that would have interest in restricted free agent Austin Reaves after he exploded onto the scene this season and into the playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers. Yes, the Lakers want to re-sign their breakout player, and Reaves says he wants to stay in LA. 

But there's a deep-pocketed team (in terms of available cap space) lurking that may really put the pressure on the Lakers with an offer sheet for Reaves: the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets continue to be a team to watch for in the Austin Reaves sweepstakes.https://t.co/xI3Qq8uXi7 pic.twitter.com/99MHPLTq4Q

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 15, 2023

According to team beat writer Kelly Iko, "Reaves is a guy the Rockets like a lot." Michael Scotto of HoopsHype confirms that they do have interest in the 25-year-old shooting guard. Reaves exploded onto the scene this season averaging 13 points for the Lakers on 39.8% shooting from deep. In the playoffs he took it to another level, averaging nearly 17 points while hitting threes at a 44.3% clip, while being that energy, glue guy that every winning team needs. 

The Rockets' first choice in free agency, as everyone knows by now, is a reunion with the team's former 9-time All-Star James Harden. But there's some pushback from Philly and it's still possible that The Beard could stay with Joel Embiid to make another run at a championship. 

If that happens, the Rockets would be prepared to go all out for Reaves. Some pundits have predicted he could receive an offer sheet close to $100M. The word from the Lakers is that they'll match any such offer for their breakthrough star. 

But once the dollars are on the table, strange things can happen. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports