NBA Rumors: Austin Reaves clarifies his future intentions
The Los Angeles Lakers' shooting guard has stated that he intends to stay with the California franchise, where he is already one of the main companions that Luka Doncic has.
In the weeks leading up to the start of NBA free agency, the future of Austin Reaves was surrounded by numerous rumors. Some reports indicated that the guard was considering a move to the Detroit Pistons, while others, published by The Athletic, claimed that he intended to accept a maximum offer from the Brooklyn Nets and turn down the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the player himself has denied those versions.
After a season marked by some physical issues but during which he averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game, Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million extension with the Lakers before any other franchise could officially present him an offer. This way, he will remain linked to the Los Angeles team for the upcoming seasons, a scenario which he claims was always his desire.
"I always wanted to continue my career in Los Angeles"
During an interview this week with journalist Keith Jouganatos from Lake Tahoe, Reaves explained that his intention was never to leave the franchise.
"My main goal from the start was to continue my career with the Lakers, regardless of how the negotiations unfolded. The contract is great from a basketball perspective, but ultimately what I love is playing, competing, and winning," the guard stated.
A summer marked by big moves
Reaves also admitted that he hardly pays attention to the rumors circulating during the transfer market, even though both he and the Lakers have been at the center of many of these reports.
The player acknowledged, however, that it is one of the most hectic summers he remembers in the NBA, with star trades like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Jaylen Brown.
"It's crazy. The truth is, I don't usually keep track of social media and usually find out things from my friends. It's the nature of this business. You see players who have been top five in MVP voting being traded. It's a very crazy time in the league," he pointed out.
LeBron's departure leaves a void
Despite the satisfaction with his new contract, Reaves also acknowledges that this summer is bittersweet due to the significant changes the Lakers' roster has undergone.
The most notable was LeBron James' departure, who left the franchise as a free agent and has not yet announced his next team. James was one of the first to trust Reaves when he entered the NBA undrafted from the University of Oklahoma in 2021 and played an important role in convincing the Lakers to give him a chance to show his skills.
Meanwhile, the franchise has bolstered its roster with the addition of center Walker Kessler and four other veterans in free agency.
"Obviously, you never want to see people you've shared many years with leave. I wouldn't have enough time to explain how great LeBron is and what he means to me and my career. I'm going to miss all those teammates. But it's also a good opportunity to turn the page and see what comes next," Reaves concluded.
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