Austin Reaves on declining Lakers deal

The Los Angeles Lakers made an offer to extend Austin Reaves’ contract over the summer, but he declined. Reaves, who was coming off a career year, (20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists) didn’t believe the offer was enough.

The extension would’ve paid Reaves $89.2 million over the next four seasons. Instead, Reaves believes he deserves more, and he recently spoke about his decision to decline the Lakers’ offer.

“I expressed that. Like, it was, ‘Y’all gave me an opportunity. Rob, you gave me an opportunity. Jeanie, you’ve treated my family amazing. Everything we’ve wanted, needed since we’ve been here, you’ve taken care of. And we appreciate y’all of that,’” Reaves said.

“But we didn’t think that the number was the right number. And that’s not saying that we’re gonna go search for a number that’s out of the world.

“I want to be in L.A. I want to continue to play Virginia Country Club on off days. It’s not like we’re trying to just whack ’em over the head for more money than what I deserve. We just want to get what we feel like I’ve put the work in to get.”

Reaves wants to stay with the Lakers, and fans feel the same. It’s up to the front office to secure a deal before he potentially becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason by opting out of his contract.