As I peruse this piece on the Lakers’ playoff run, I can’t help but marvel at the degree of unpredictability and inconsistency that defines the sport of basketball. It’s a game where one undrafted, unheralded player can suddenly burst onto the scene and become a vital piece of a championship-caliber team.
Austin Reaves is that player for the Lakers this postseason. The 24-year-old guard out of Newark, Arkansas has made the most of his opportunity with the Lakers, delivering a number of clutch performances that have helped propel the team to the Western Conference Finals.
Reaves’ success is all the more remarkable considering his inauspicious beginnings. As an undrafted free agent, Reaves was a long shot to even make an NBA roster, let alone contribute to a team’s playoff run. But the Lakers saw something in him, and decided to take a chance on him. It’s a decision that has paid dividends, as Reaves has quickly become a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
Reaves’ success has not gone unnoticed by other teams, however. As a restricted free agent, Reaves will be able to test the market this offseason, and there’s no doubt that his asking price will be significantly higher than the $1.5 million he’s currently earning.
The Lakers, of course, have the option to match any offer that Reaves receives from another team. But as the author notes, there’s always a catch. In this case, it’s the “Arenas Rule,” which allows other teams to offer Reaves a four-year deal with a maximum salary in the final two years. That means Reaves could potentially earn as much as $36-38 million over the final two years of a four-year deal.
The Lakers will have to decide if Reaves is worth that kind of money, or if they’d be better off using their resources to retain other key players. It’s a difficult decision, to be sure, but one that could have a significant impact on the team’s future.
In the end, though, it’s hard to argue against the idea of keeping Reaves in a Lakers uniform. He’s proven himself to be a valuable contributor to the team’s success, and his energy and passion for the game have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Perhaps most importantly, Reaves has shown that he’s capable of performing at a high level on the biggest stage. His clutch performances this postseason have been nothing short of remarkable, and there’s no reason to think that he can’t continue to be a key piece of the Lakers’ championship puzzle for years to come.
So, while the decision to retain Reaves may come with a hefty price tag, it’s one that the Lakers may ultimately have to make. After all, as Maya Angelou once said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” And Austin Reaves has shown us that he’s a player worth believing in.
