Austin Reaves has not only become a pillar of the Lakers organization in the last two seasons, but he has also become a crucial part in the franchise’s playoff aspirations without star LeBron James, who is still healing from a tendon injury in his right foot.
Los Angeles (37–37) has won seven of its last 10 games that includes a current three-game winning streak and sits at No. 8 in the Western Conference, tied with the Timberwolves (37–37) and 1.5 games behind the Warriors (39–36) at No. 6 for the final playoff spot. Through five of the Lakers last 10 games, Reaves has averaged 22.2 points, five rebounds, seven assists while shooting 50% from the floor, numbers way above his season averages of 12.3 points and 3.1 assists per game.
But when the 2022–23 season comes to an end this summer, the 24-year-old will be a restricted free agent. While Los Angeles will have the option to match any offer that another team attempts to provide Reaves with, he really wants to stay in Los Angeles.
