Lakers fans don’t want to overpay for Austin Reaves

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The time has come to reward Austin Reaves for going from being an undrafted player to a starting guard for the Lakers.

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However, some people might still be shocked by the cost. While Reaves has mentioned before that his goal is not to earn as much as possible, that doesn’t mean he won’t be paid.

Reaves could earn $40 million plus per year on his new deal, and teams like the Nets are reportedly interested in offering him the max. Despite other potential suitors, the expectation is that Reaves will remain in Los Angeles. But what number gets that done?

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked fans how much the Lakers should pay Reaves and they definitely don’t want to give a max deal.

Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game last year and considering he has improved every season, he would likely still be underpaid if he earns less than $40 million a year.

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If Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka can get Reaves to sign for less than $40 million and all parties involved are happy with it, that would be a colossal win. Considering Reaves’ growth and an unimpressive free agency market, this seems like wishful thinking from Lakers fans.

Reaves earning between $40-45 million, which finished second in voting, seems more logical. This would give him his big payday without the Lakers overpaying, making it a win-win scenario.

Keep or trade draft pick

In our other poll question, we asked fans if the Lakers should keep their draft pick or trade it. It was a close one, but most fans want LA to make a selection.

Both sides on this one can make a compelling case.

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It’s hard to hit on your draft prospects, and even rarer for those players to be immediate contributors on winning teams. With the Lakers picking at No. 25, who will even be available that can help a playoff team in a brutal Western Conference?

However, other teams have…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-fans-don-t-want-204047328.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-21 20:40:00

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