Kendrick Perkins issues warning to LA Lakers over Austin Reaves’ big performance, and they can’t escape it

Kendrick Perkins warns LA Lakers

In the offseason Austin Reaves rejected an offer of a four-year $89.2 million contract extension from the LA Lakers.

Reaves has been public that he wants to stay in LA, but the business nature of basketball means he could land a more lucrative offer next summer in free agency.

His big performance to lead the Lakers to a win over the Kings proved why Reaves is right to back himself.

ESPN analyst and former player Kendrick Perkins reacted to Reaves’ 51-11-9 performance.

He issued a warning to the Lakers, posting on X: “Games like tonight is why Austin Reaves thought 4 years 90mm ain’t enough… and damnit he’s right!

“Almost a 50 point triple double and a W. Lakers better figure it the hell out.”

The scenario is one that the Lakers cannot escape. They cannot allow Reaves to walk, and need to pay up to keep him.

It’s a tricky scenario to plan for right now with LeBron James’ own plans for next season unclear, and the Lakers aiming to keep some cap space open for future free agency.

Perkins praises Deandre Ayton

Kendrick Perkins also had praise for Deandre Ayton, who had his best game yet on the LA Lakers since his free agency move.

Perkins wrote: “Btw Ayton played like a grown ass man tonight!!!”

Ayton scored 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, one more rebound than Domantas Sabonis managed for the Kings.