The Los Angeles Lakers have many major decisions ahead of them in the upcoming weeks, but two of the biggest are the futures of Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Both are unrestricted free agents, but at very different phases of their career.
A separation would mark the first time that Reaves entered an NBA season without James on the roster, a massive deal for a player who has gone from two-way contract to role player to starter and to borderline All-Star all next to arguably the greatest player in league history. The Lakers guard is hoping he doesn’t have to face that yet.
“It’d mean the world to me,” Reaves said of playing with James again. “I don’t know anything different. My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on, and he basically took me under his wing and [has] given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me, but further than the court, built a real friendship.
“He obviously is into golf now, so we’re a lot closer, but yeah, it’s been super fun. I hope to continue doing that. He’s taught me a lot, and I owe him a lot for my career. Like I said, he’s given me confidence every single day. After I missed the three to tie the game, he was walking behind me, he was like, “Hell of a shot. Keep your head up.” So, it just speaks to the character that he has and whatever he does on the court. Obviously, a lot to talk about.”
The Lakers have the ability to retain both players easily without majorly disrupting the near $50 million in cap space they are slated to have. Reaves feels like a high probability to return to L.A., but James is a little more up in the air, with big decisions needing to be made on both sides.
James needs to decide what he wants out of the final years of his career, if he doesn’t retire. L.A. needs to decide how much they are willing to pay a soon-to-be 42-year-old in a historic 24th NBA season. Clearly, Reaves’ preference is for the Lakers and James to find a compromise.
Austin Reaves reportedly seeking max contract
Reaves’ free agency is a little less complicated than James’. The 28-year-old is reportedly seeking a max contract, and the question will be if the Lakers want to give that to him. And if not, if another team will.
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