Lakers: Austin Reaves Gives Classy Response on Being Underpaid

(Photo : Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Austin Reaves (#15) of the United States walks on the court during a break in the second half of a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena.

The Los Angeles Lakers are pressed financially, a reason why they have been having difficulty getting more talent to the roster.

However, an alternative is giving players who have toiled a chance to shine. One such name that comes to mind is Austin Reaves, who has immensely improved with the purple and gold since joining the team in 2021.

The 25-year-old broke out last season for the Lakers, and this has been his ticket towards bigger opportunities. There is nothing more notable than that other than his inclusion on Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Given his rise, one thing that has been debated is Reaves' pay. He is singled out as one of the underpaid players in the league right now, although the 25-year-old does not appear to be bothered by it.

Reaves gave his take on staying with the Lakers even though he was dangled a higher offer by the San Antonio Spurs. The undrafted player from the 2021 NBA Draft shared his thoughts when he appeared on The Lowe Post podcast.

"Obviously, I wish that I could've got as much money as possible, but like I said: fit and opportunity, here in LA was really what we wanted and really where we wanted to be," the Lakers guard said.

Reaves re-signed with the Lakers last July, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $56 million per Sham Charania of The Athletic.

More details: Reaves’ new deal contains a player option on Year 4, a 15 percent trade kicker, and the maximum advance allowable, per sources. The Lakers included everything they legally could to make sure Reaves stayed in Los Angeles. https://t.co/dEkgGQAanw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023

Reaves thought of playing with Wembanyama

As for the Spurs, Reaves admitted that he pondered the possibility of playing alongside top rookie pick Victor Wembanyama, SI.com reported.

"You hear things, and obviously with Wembanyama, so much upside with him, your mind kind of wanders into that basketball world, what that would be like," he stated.

Regardless, Reaves appears to be in a better place, especially if he has eyes on an NBA title. The Spurs are in for an interesting season, although lining up for an NBA title may take more time.