NBA Rumors: Austin Reaves Sparks Major Interest from Rival Teams Despite Potential $30 Million Free Agency Price Tag

Austin Reaves is increasing his value every time he steps on the court. This season, the LA Lakers guard has been on a tear on the floor, averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 9.3 assists. Reaves has proven to everyone that he possesses the skills necessary to succeed in the NBA.

It's also one of the main reasons for the rumors that some teams are monitoring his situation in Los Angeles. Last summer, Reaves declined a four-year, $89.2 million contract extension. This wasn't because he doesn't plan on staying with the Lakers. Rather, the 6-foot-5 guard is hoping to sign a bigger and better deal.

Other teams can pay the shooting guard at least $178.5 million for four years. That would allow him to earn more than $30 million annually.

However, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is "no sense" that Reaves could start exploring options outside of the Lakers. The undrafted guard is ready to commit to the team that gave him a chance five years ago.

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“There is no sense at this point that Austin Reaves is looking anywhere else,” Stein said (5:23). “Going undrafted and becoming a Laker has been tremendous for Austin Reaves. “So, if we’re trying to read the landscape – again, we are just at the end of October. Free agency is a long way away. We still have a whole season in front of us. But I think if we had Austin Reaves on this show and got candid answers from him about his future, I think he would say that he wanted to be in Laker land.”

Reaves has shown his worth early in the season. He had a three-game stretch where he was the No. 1 option since both Luka Doncic and LeBron James were injured. During that stretch, he averaged 40 points, 5.3 rebounds, 10 assists and 2.3 steals.

With how he's played this season, Reaves has increased his value. According to reports, the starting guard could sign a $240 million contract over five years.

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Austin Reaves is ruled out on Monday

On Sunday, Austin Reaves helped the Lakers secure a 130-120 win over the Miami Heat. He had 26 points, four rebounds and 22 assists. Although he didn't have a great shooting night (40.9% from the field and 28.6% beyond the arc), he still made sure he produced well.

Ahead of the team's Monday game against the Portland Trail Blazers, however, NBA insider Dan Woike revealed an injury to Reaves. According to the team, the shooting guard dealt with a groin injury against the Heat but still played through the pain.

Against the Blazers, Reaves has been ruled out. Doncic will also miss the game due to lower left leg contusion injury management.

The Lakers are 5-2 this season and are third in the Western Conference.

Edited by Reign Amurao