Austin Reaves’ emergence in Los Angeles this season could soon present itself as a major dilemma for the Lakers.
With a base salary just north of $1.5M in 2022-23, the 24-year-old native is set to go from one of the NBA’s biggest bargains to quite possibly pricing himself out of Los Angeles altogether.
With uncertainty building around Reaves’ future in Southern California, NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett was quick to caution the budding swingman against chasing the money this offseason.
“Reaves, yeah, Him. Mr. Him. He should get a nice contract. If I’m him, I wouldn’t leave the Lakers,” Garnett said on the latest episode of Showtime ‘Basketball’s Ticket & The Truth.’ “Even though he’s gonna get some bigger offers. He’s gonna go get some bread thrown at him.”
When Matt Barnes, who was filling in for co-host Paul Pierce, interjected to note that word around the league is that Reaves will explore his free-agency options and likely prioritize a larger contract, Garnett was sure not to hold any punches.
“Aw, he’s dumb,” the former league MVP said of Reaves potentially parting ways with the Lakers. “He’s dumb, bro.”
The most the Lakers can offer Reaves this offseason is a four-year deal in the ballpark of $50M — which simply may not be enough for a player who has dropped 21-plus points in three of his last four postseason games.
As NBA insider Shams Charania highlighted on Monday for FanDuel TV, “there is a concern for sure if you’re the Lakers that he’s gonna get potentially an offer sheet way, way, way higher than 50.”
Garnett’s overall sentiment of Reaves unequivocally holds weight. There’s a strong argument to be made that the Lakers remain the best spot for Reaves to continue to develop as a player and serve as a key contributor for a title contender.
However, that’s an easier argument to make when you’re an NBA legend such as Garnett, who earned nearly $344M over their playing career.
Yes, Reaves could always fizzle out at his next stop, but that’s sort of the point. It’s best that the undrafted free agent strike while the iron’s hot, as his stock may never be as high as it is at this very moment.
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