Have The Lakers Already Convinced Other Teams they'll Match Any Offer For Austin Reaves?

Few, if any, players across the NBA made themselves more money this season (and particularly this postseason) than Austin Reaves. Eligible for a 4 year, $52 million deal from the Lakers, Reaves has definitely established market value that goes well beyond that. Around the league, he can receive an offer for the same four years, up to about $100 million. The catch - most of a contract that big wold be backloaded. Reaves can only make about $25 mil over the first two years, meaning a "poison pill" type deal could pay him over $30 mil a season in the final two years.

In theory, that could be enough to scare the Lakers off, and open the door for Reaves to join another team next year. But they've said instead that they'll be matching any offer Reaves gets. Any offer. Some, then, have speculated that opposing teams might be scared off, reluctant to make an offer and tie up free agent money that could go to another player, because they know they won't actually be able to get Reaves away from LA.

Is that how things will play out? Is there a chance the Lakers could in fact get Reaves on a relatively cheap deal?

Would the Lakers really match any offer he gets? Even up to $100 million?

If Reaves, for whatever reason, doesn't get that big money offer, would he "settle" for what the Lakers could offer, or try to put together a deal that gets him back on the market quickly?

Meanwhile, Frank Vogel was hired in Phoenix to take over the Suns. It was a move that caught some by surprise, but makes a lot of sense and will obviously impact the dynamics inside the Pacific Division. Could Vogel poach important members of the Lakers staff (holdovers from his time here) like Phil Handy?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Austin Reaves is going to play for Team USA this August. One more thing that could be driving up his price.

SEGMENT 2: Will the Lakers truly match any offer Reaves gets? Will that perception actually keep him from getting offers?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.

PrizePicks

First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices