NBA Rumors: The offer that the Lakers are preparing to keep Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear priority for the upcoming summer: securing the continuity of Austin Reaves. As reported by Lakers Daily, the Los Angeles franchise plans to offer the shooting guard a contract close to $240 million when free agency opens.

Reaves is expected to decline his player option for the next season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Nonetheless, there is full confidence within the team to retain him, and according to the published information, the Lakers are not afraid of losing one of their key players.

Back in November, the player himself explained in statements to ESPN that he is not focused on his contract situation. Despite turning down an extension last summer, he insisted that his intention is to stay in Los Angeles and compete for the title.

The shooting guard, who was groomed at Wichita State and Oklahoma, stated that he wants to remain with the franchise and help the team improve, emphasizing that his priority is not just to secure the highest possible contract.

Breakthrough Season

Reaves' performance this season explains the interest of the Lakers in securing his future. He is averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 49.5% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 87.3% from the free-throw line.

At 27 years old, many believe he would have been chosen as an All-Star if he hadn't suffered an injury that caused him to miss several games.

Since his arrival in 2021 as an undrafted player, the shooting guard has gone from being a low-risk bet to becoming a key piece. Throughout his career, he averages 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

The franchise's intention is to build the future around Reaves and Luka Dončić, who has also become another cornerstone of the team.

The scenario is also influenced by the situation of LeBron James, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he decides not to retire, it is expected that his options will be limited to either re-signing with the Lakers or returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.