Insider reveals Lakers could lose star player, Austin Reaves to conference rival

The Los Angeles Lakers might have to let go of an important player from the squad to the conference rivals as the star has already turned down an extension offered by the franchise. The player seems not to accept an annual salary of around $22.3 million but instead, go for free agency, which will set him up for more than what he was offered.

Star player to leave Lakers for conference rivals? Insider reveals

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the franchises which has been keeping an eye on Austin Reaves. As per Anthony Irwin, the Lakers insider from Clutch Points, the 27-year-old is expected to turn down a player option and go for unrestricted free agency. According to Irwin:

“In all likelihood, Reaves will turn down his player option after this season and could command a contract in the ballpark of $30 to $35 million per year.”

The Lakers insider further wrote:

"If/when Reaves opts out of his current contract, he'll be an unrestricted free agent with plenty of interest. League sources say the San Antonio Spurs and other teams are keeping a close eye on Reaves' free agency."

Reaves has been one of the best players for the Lakers and has proved it each season. The 17-time NBA champions reportedly offered the shooting guard a four-year, $89.2 million extension which was declined by the player. The player recorded 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game on average while shooting 46% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range. Additionally, following Luka Doncic’s blockbuster trade, Reaves’ shooting percentage has increased.

Reaves is now entering the final guaranteed season of his four-year contract. As per Jovan Buha, JJ Redick’s side will re-sign the player. The Lakers’ reporter predicted:

“I think he's more like a $30 to $35 million per year player.”

Buha further said:

"If you look at some of the guys in that range, guys like Immanuel Quickley and Tyler Herro, I think Austin is easily in that class, and better than a lot of the guys in the $30 to $32 million range."

Buha also predicted that Reaves would want to stay with the Lakers for a long time and sign a multi-year deal. He said:

"I expect him to re-sign on a multi-year deal, and I think that's the shrewd move from LA's part. He wants to be a Laker. He wants to be a Laker for life."

Meanwhile, the Lakers are set to open their pre-season against the Phoenix Suns on October 3. This will be followed by their first home game of the season against the Golden State Warriors on October 12.