NBA rumors: Insider names 3 dark horse candidates to sign Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have competition for Austin Reaves’ services in free agency. 

The Los Angeles Lakers made an improbable run to the conference finals after stewing in mediocrity for much of the regular season. While the lion’s share of the credit will rightfully be placed at the feet of LeBron James or Anthony Davis, one no-longer-unsung hero behind the team’s resurgence was Austin Reaves.

The 25-year-old undrafted guard out of Oklahoma emerged midseason as a critical cog in the starting five. His heady playmaking, 3-point shooting, and energetic defense proved the perfect complement to James in the Lakers’ backcourt.

Reaves’ surge continued in the postseason. He averaged 21.3 points and 5.3 assists in the conference finals, which included a remarkable 56.0 percent success rate from deep across four games. While the Lakers collectively came up short, Reaves definitely earned a boatload of cash in free agency.

3 teams listed as dark horse threats to steal Austin Reaves from Lakers

Reaves enters restricted free agency this summer, meaning the Lakers can match any offer sheet he signs with another team. In a recent appearance on the Hoops Hype Podcast, Jovan Buha of The Athletic said the Lakers plan to match any offer up to $100 million.

That said, other teams are expected to pursue Reaves. Mentioned by Buha as potential threats to poach Reaves from the Lakers: Orlando, Houston, and San Antonio. All three are younger teams with a lot of available cap space. It wouldn’t be hard for any of them to pay Reaves more than $100 million, which could complicate the Lakers’ plans.

The Spurs could be angling to contend sooner than later with Victor Wembanyama en route and a strong collection of supporting pieces such as Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. The Magic were a competitive team down the stretch last season and could be angling for their own quick ascent behind the burgeoning star power of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Rockets have made it very clear they want to acquire stars (primarily James Harden) and start winning under new head coach Ime Udoka.

Reaves is a hot commodity. He has shown that he can compete at the highest level and more importantly, win at the highest level. He has an adaptable skill set that should fit easily with any group and he has all the intangibles coaches love. The effort level, high I.Q., and unfettered spunk make him a very appealing piece for a young team looking to establish a winning culture.