Draymond Green warns Austin Reaves: “Now comes the hard part”
With LeBron James departing, the Los Angeles Lakers are turning the page with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves leading the way. Reaves’ new $185 million contract dramatically changes his role – and the expectations that come with it
The Los Angeles Lakers have already undergone major changes at the start of NBA Free Agency, beginning with LeBron James’ departure after eight seasons with the franchise.
The Lakers are now looking ahead, with their future centered around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who recently signed a four-year, $185 million contract that makes him the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history.
Until now, the Lakers’ No. 15 has largely operated in the shadow of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. But with the four-time MVP gone, the spotlight will shine much brighter on Reaves. Speaking on his podcast, Draymond Green explained what comes with signing a contract of that magnitude.
When you’re making $23 million a year, you don’t get that much attention. But once you’re making $46 million, everything changes. I hope he’s ready for what’s coming. His value has changed, and at that salary he’s not easy to move. The biggest issue is the playoffs, where he’s struggled over the last few seasons, and that can’t happen when you’re making that kind of money
Draymond Green
The Lakers, meanwhile, have doubled down on Reaves despite some postseason struggles. In the playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he had a difficult time – most notably in Game 1, when he finished with just eight points on 3-of-16 shooting.
So far, Los Angeles has remained relatively quiet in free agency, but with the market only just opening, there is a growing sense that the front office will need to respond quickly to Luka Dončić’s requests if it hopes to build a legitimate NBA championship contender.