Lake Show Life
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2 Lakers who have earned untouchable status, 2 who haven’t

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his foul with Austin Reaves #15 during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his foul with Austin Reaves #15 during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Austin Reaves Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Austin Reaves Lakers /

Untouchable: Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves is one of the best success stories in recent NBA history. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves quickly earned a roster spot with the Lakers and proved why the team was so high on him in the first place.

Reaves put together a solid rookie season that showcased his potential. In year two, Reaves really took the leap to being a legitimate playoff guy and he has not even reached his ceiling yet. He may never be a superstar but Reaves can be a very good player in the NBA for a very long time.

The only problem is that Reaves is a restricted free agent this offseason and could theoretically leave the team this offseason. While the Lakers have the ability to match any offer sheet for him, other teams can offer Reaves more than the Lakers can outright and that could cause him to leave this offseason.

Austin Reaves’ future is the biggest storyline for the Lakers this offseason

The Lakers need to do everything in the team’s power to bring back Reaves, including offering him the maximum that the team can offer him. He really seems to love being a Laker and if the team can get a deal done without him testing restricted free agency then that would be a huge win.

That being said, you cannot blame any player for wanting to max out their earnings and there is a situation in which the Lakers physically may not be able to bring Reaves back to the team. It would be a death blow as Reaves has earned the mantra of being untouchable.

If it was completely in the Lakers’ hands then he would be fully untouchable. But that is not the case.

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