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The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into one of their most important roster decisions in years, and Austin Reaves has become a central figure in that debate.
As the 27-year-old guard approaches unrestricted free agency, a potential five-year, $240 million extension hangs in the the balance. Now former Laker Lonzo Ball is makign headlines by questioning whether Reaves is worth anywhere near that figure.
“Nah, I’m not doing that,”Ball saidon the “Ball in the Family” podcast. “I got $150 million for him… plays no defense. I keep him, but not for $240. I would trade him for Peyton Watson.”
It’s not exactly common practice for an active NBA player to be so outspoken on a peer’s contract situation, especially one still fighting to solidify a consistent rotation spot.
Ball was traded in February by Cleveland before making their playoff run and he was unceremoniously cut by Utah the same day he was traded to the team.
Ball’s comments were blunt: He labeled Reaves a “fourth option” type player and suggested the Lakers would be better off flipping him for Watson, a rising 3-and-D specialist for the Nuggets.
That perspective, while controversial, aligns closely with recent league reporting.
ESPN’sTim Bontemps notedthat the “majority opinion” around the NBA is that Reaves will stay in Los Angeles, but likely for less than a full max.
Several scouts and executives project a deal closer to five years, $200 million, with one league source suggesting the Lakers would be “surprised if the first year starts with a 3 instead of a 4,” meaning they expect an annual salary in the $40 million range.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
