Austin Reaves’ new signature shoe tells Lakers fans where he will sign

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason is Austin Reaves‘ restricted free agency. Reaves really came into his own in year two, playing a huge role in getting the Lakers into the NBA Playoffs and then advancing them into the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers don’t make it as far as they did without Reaves’ efforts. However, it is a double-edged sword as it also increased his value in free agency. With several teams having cap space and there being a thin free-agent class, Reaves could end up getting much more than anyone could have predicted 12 months ago.

Thankfully, it appears that the Lakers are prioritizing bringing back Reaves but nothing is guaranteed. Another team can offer Reaves such a large contract that could force the Lakers to have to move on. It is every fan’s nightmare at this point in the offseason.

Those nightmares may soon be coming to a close, though. While Reaves has the ability to sign an offer sheet with any team in the league, he may have already spoiled his free-agency decision. Reaves is getting his first signature shoe in August — the Rigorer AR-1 — and they are coming in a very specific colorway…

https://twitter.com/NickDePaula/status/1669358156366090242

Austin Reaves’ signature shoe points to him re-signing with Los Angeles Lakers

Of course, this alone is not enough of evidence to guarantee that Austin Reaves is going to return to Los Angeles but fans should feel great right now. We know that the team is prioritizing his return and if his shoe company is already willing to release a Lakers colorway then there is probably a good chance he is coming back.

After all, Reaves grew up a Lakers fan and while we are all panicking about him taking more money it might have never been in the conversation for him. It is not unheard of for players to take a hometown discount, especially when the Lake Show can still pay him over $50 million in total money.

And hey, Reaves has already become the most popular player on the Lakers for diehard fans and he might make some of that money back in his shoe deal. It might not be a big-name shoe company here in the States but the design of the shoe is sleek and might be seen scattered throughout Crypto.com Arena.

Nothing is guaranteed until it is official but fans should be feeling great about seeing Austin Reaves in the purple and gold once more next season.