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NBA rumors: Lakers could have big problem with Austin Reaves free agency
The Lakers are widely expected to bring back Austin Reaves in free agency. The Oklahoma product is a restricted free agent, which will allow the Lakers to match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the process could drag on longer than expected.
One thing not in here, but don’t expect Austin Reaves to accept a Lakers offer immediately on Friday. Will need to wait to see what is out there for him on the market. https://t.co/xczTd6Majq
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 30, 2023
Reaves is sure to have a robust market of interested teams. How many teams are willing to tie up resources and sacrifice time to sign him when the Lakers are able to match is another question. The Spurs, Rockets, Pistons, Jazz, Thunder, Magic, and Pacers all have cap space with room for a player of Reaves’ ilk on their roster.
If the Reaves free agent saga lasts more than a couple days, that could complicate the Lakers’ ability to maneuver the free agent market elsewhere. The recent waiving of Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba could free up roughly $17 million for Los Angeles to spend on supporting pieces, but that could be nixed if Reaves’ deal gets too expensive and the team still angles to re-sign Rui Hachimura.
Basically, the Lakers probably have to wait on Reaves before signing any major free agents. Names like Bruce Brown or Brook Lopez, for example, might not wait around for the Lakers if other cap space teams come knocking. Reaves holds all the cards.