Austin Reaves received the largest contract ever given to an undrafted player in NBA history, but as the Lakers enter a new era, the guard says he’s focused on what’s next.
Reaves recently finalized a four-year, $180 million contract with Los Angeles after initially agreeing to a four-year, $185 million extension. The minor adjustment gives the Lakers significant financial leverage moving forward while solidifying Reaves as one of the cornerstones of the franchise alongside Luka Doncic, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Despite this historic event, Reaves made it clear that his priorities have not changed.
“I always wanted to be a Laker,” Reaves said. “We have that period from the end of the season to the first one [of July] to do something, and we understood it before that. My heart was in LA the whole time. “
The Lakers will look very different this season after the departure of LeBron James after eight years with the franchise, leaving Reaves to take on a larger leadership role.
“Everybody knows it’s a completely different team,” Reaves said. “There will be different things asked of different people, and if that’s what JJ is [Redick] and the workers ask me, I will do it with all my power.
While the schedule has changed, one relationship remains the foundation of the Lakers’ future.
“Luke,” Reaves said, “I mean, he’s one of my best friends on the planet. Talk to him almost every day. He sends me videos of his golf game and asks me what he can do to get better, and I tell him I’m not a coach.”
Los Angeles also added several new recruits this offseason, including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili, and the team met in Las Vegas before training camp.
Reaves was excited to be reunited with Kessler after the two previously represented Team USA together.
“He’s a big, compassionate guy who enjoys life and enjoys himself,” Reaves said of the 7-foot-2 center. “Obviously, you see what he does basketball-wise and how he affects the game. He’s good defensively, he’s good in the pocket. He’s a smart player. So I’m happy to have him on the team and play with him.”
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