The Los Angeles Lakers are an interesting team to watch right now. At times, they play cohesive, impressive team basketball, and other times they look like they’ve never touched a basketball before. Austin Reaves has been one of their few consistent performers, and he just received a contract update.
“Because NBA rules restrict the Lakers from extending Reaves up to 140% of the average player (four-years, $87.4 million with a starting salary of $19.5 million next season), it is highly unlikely he will sign a new contract prior to June 30. The more likely scenario is for Reaves to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote. “If he does, Reaves will be eligible to sign for up to five-years, $241 million with the Lakers.”
Reaves will likely hit free agency this summer, but he has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles.
“I try not to think about it. Honestly. I've said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it," Reaves told ESPN. "Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn't mean that I'm trying to go get a f---ing gigantic number that don't make sense. I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better.”
On Thursday, the Lakers acquired Kobe Bufkin in an under-the-radar move.
“The South Bay Lakers plan to acquire former Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin, sources told ESPN. Bufkin was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Michigan. Bufkin was traded from ATL to BKN and entered the G League pool after being waived last month,” Lakers insider Dave McMenamin wrote.
This is a strong move for Los Angeles, as outside of Reaves and Luka Doncic, the team lacks a true ball handler until LeBron James returns. If he stays healthy, Bufkin can provide much-needed support.
If Bufkin proves he’s ready, he could also take minutes from Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. A lot remains uncertain with this addition, but it’s a solid move nonetheless.