Predicting where each Lakers free agent will sign this offseason

Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers

Like Rui Hachimura, retaining Austin Reaves needs to be among the top priorities for the Lakers this offseason. After playing his first two seasons on an incredibly team-friendly deal, Reaves is set to hit restricted free agency with a qualifying offer of $2.2 million. He’s certainly going to blow that number out of the water, as he’s deservingly earned a nice raise after a strong year.

Reaves had a breakout year with LA this past season by averaging 13 points and three assists per game while shooting 52.9 percent from the floor and 39.8 percent from three. He’s LA’s “do it all” player who is constantly making his mark on the game by doing all of the little things.

Plenty of teams would love to get their hands on the 25-year-old, but the Lakers must do what it takes to keep him around, as losing Austin Reaves would be a significant loss to this team.

As Buha mentioned in his reporting on Hachimura, the Lakers plan to match any offer made to Reaves as well, which is smart. They simply cannot lose him, as it would be a disastrous move by the Los Angeles Lakers. It seems clear that they know that and are willing to pay up.

Stay tuned for more Los Angeles Lakers analysis this offseason.