Austin Reaves is one of the most reserved superstars in the NBA world. But he opened up about his feelings about playing with the Los Angeles Lakers when a fan asked whether he would return to the team next season. The shifty guard is due an extension this offseason and is eligible for a max contract.
There have been several questions about the future of the Lakers’ Big 3. LeBron James hasn’t made up his mind if he wants to return with the Lakers in free agency. However, Reaves seemed convinced of where his heart was. In a video, via TMZ Sports, when the fan asked Reaves if he wanted to “run it back,” he replied with the same sentence in affirmation.
Legion Hoops shared the video on X and wrote:
“Austin Reaves says he wants to run it back with LeBron and the Lakers next season.”
Reaves also agreed when asked whether he wanted to bring back King James. However, there is no official confirmation about his future with the Lakers. Luka Doncic made it clear that he wanted to pair up with Reaves next season, which means fans would see Reaves in the purple and gold.
Austin Reaves comes off his career-best season
Austin Reaves had an All-Star-worthy season but was injured with an oblique muscle sprain for most of the period. He averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. The postseason also brought similar struggles for the Lakers, as Luka Doncic was sidelined due to an ankle sprain.
Reaves has one of the most elite handles in the league and has consistently proved his worth in the squad. The team looked like a serious threat whenever the three played together on the floor. However, the franchise could not harness the Big 3’s full capacity this season.
Nevertheless, Austin Reaves has developed a worthy resume, deserving of a max extension. Given that Doncic will already be worth more than $53 million next season, and Reaves max extension, the front office might struggle to accommodate James’ deal.
James led the team past Round 1 when both Doncic and Reaves were on the bench. However, overcoming the OKC Thunder, without Doncic, was never an option. The team will be back next season with title-contending hope and a squad.
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