In the regular season last season, Reeves played in 64 games for the Lakers, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game; Eight joined the Lakers before the trade deadline and averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 33 games for the team.
Since the end of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have been saying they want to keep Rui Eight and Austin Reeves. Both were key figures in the team's surprise reach to the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers kept their promise: The Lakers made qualifying offers to Hachimura and Reeves. As a result of qualifying offers, Hachimura and Reeves became restricted free agents.
This move by the Lakers allowed them to match any offer the two players might receive on free agency. The Lakers have made signing both players a priority. If both companies get the top offer, then general manager Rob Pelinka will have to make a tough decision.
Of the two, Reeves' salary will increase significantly. The sophomore guard is undoubtedly the Lakers' third-best player after LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Pelinka's best offer is $50 million to $51 million for 4 years. However, interested teams could lure him with $100 million.
Signing Reeve to a maximum four-year, $100 million contract would be tough for the Lakers. The Lakers' annual salary is limited to $11 million in the first year and $12 million in the second year. For the final two years of this hypothetical contract, they would have to pay Reeves $35 million per season.
If the Lakers offer a top salary, the former draft rookie's contract will become a "poison pill."
On the other hand, an eight-inch pole can be paid about $20 million in the market. The Los Angeles Lakers don't want to go that far, but if they really want to keep him, they may have to grit their teeth again.
The Los Angeles Lakers can keep Rui Eight and Austin Reeves, but they must sacrifice roster depth
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka knew he had to compromise somewhere so the Lakers wouldn't see Rui Eight and Austin Reeves leave the Lakers.
ESPN's Bobby Marks has an interesting solution to keep both of them in Hollywood: "If the Lakers let go of Beasley, Bamba and Russell, they could create about $17 million in space... I hope Reeves and Hachimura will come back. ”
D'Angelo Russell is the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Malik Beasley is one of the team's best shooters. Mo Bamba didn't play much, but if Anthony Davis were injured again, he could be key to the team beyond Bushybrow.
To keep Rui Eight and Austin Reeves, the Lakers may have to look for some experienced players to add depth to their roster.
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