The biggest goal for the Los Angeles Lakers entering the NBA’s free agency period on Friday was to keep as much of their core intact as possible while possibly making a couple of smaller additions.
They made a few additions by agreeing to terms with forwards Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince, guard Gabe Vincent and center Jaxson Hayes. These four players could address some important roster needs for Los Angeles, including 3-point shooting, perimeter defense and center depth.
On Friday, the team also persuaded forward Rui Hachimura to stay by having him agree to a new contract. On Saturday, it retained arguably its biggest piece when guard Austin Reaves agreed to a new four-year contract.
More details: Reaves’ new deal contains a player option on Year 4, a 15 percent trade kicker, and the maximum advance allowable, per sources. The Lakers included everything they legally could to make sure Reaves stayed in Los Angeles. https://t.co/dEkgGQAanw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
There was a great deal of speculation that Reaves, who is a restricted free agent, would receive an offer sheet worth as much as $100 million from another team, making it tough for the Lakers to keep him. But that did not happen. Instead, they keep the emerging star on a very reasonable deal.
