L.A. Times insider: Austin Reaves wants max deal from Lakers
· Yahoo Sports
The first big domino to fall for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer is what LeBron James decides to do in free agency. After that, the next domino will be what rising star guard Austin Reaves decides to do.
Visit chickenroad.qpon for more information.
Reaves will almost certainly opt out of his contract and seek a new one this offseason. All indications are that he wants to stay with the Lakers, but it could cost them more than they're ideally willing to pay him.
A recent report indicated that Reaves could command as much as $40 million a year in free agency this summer. During an appearance on Los Angeles-based Spectrum SportsNet, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times took things a step further when he delivered some news that Lakers fans don't want to hear.
"He stands to make five years, $241 million if they offer him that deal," Turner said. "Or if he goes to a team like the Chicago Bulls, or a team like Brooklyn, he can get four years, $178 million. Those teams will kind of lurk around.
"But based on what I understand, what I keep hearing: Austin wants the max. Is he willing to give the Lakers a hometown deal? I'm not so sure about that. Maybe he does, but maybe his reps don't want that."
A five-year, $241 million contract translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $48.2 million. That seems very steep for a player who is definitely All-Star caliber but not exactly a true superstar.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists a game this season, but he appeared in only 51 games due to multiple injuries, and some are concerned about his durability moving forward. He has also underperformed to a certain extent in the last three postseasons, which some feel should put a dent in his value on the open market. Then there is the matter of Reaves' defensive shortcomings, which are caused by his lack of athleticism and his relatively lean frame.
If the Lakers were to cave in and give Reaves that type of max contract, it would be hard to argue that he will be worth that kind of money unless he increases his offensive production, both during the regular season and the playoffs, after James leaves. Perhaps the best option in that scenario would be to work out a sign-and-trade that would bring L.A. back a couple of athletic two-way players who would address their roster flaws.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: L.A. Times insider: Austin Reaves wants max deal from Lakers