Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14
Austin Reaves Says Adviser Urged More Spending After $180 Million Lakers Deal
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14

Austin Reaves Says Adviser Urged More Spending After $180 Million Lakers Deal

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14

Summary

  • Austin Reaves said his financial adviser recently told him to spend more on himself, even after the Lakers guard landed a four-year, $180 million extension.
  • Reaves said he still has not bought himself much, describing a frugal approach shaped by a middle-income upbringing and a preference for buying gifts for family and friends instead.
  • The new deal followed his best NBA season — 23.3 points, 4.87 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game — and became the richest contract ever awarded to an undrafted player.
  • Reaves also reportedly accepted $5 million less than an initial $185 million offer, giving Los Angeles slightly more room to add roster help while he keeps his focus on basketball and long-term family stability.

Insights

Is Austin Reaves' historic $185M deal a championship cornerstone or a crippling overpay for a defensively flawed player?
With two offensively-minded stars, can the Lakers build a championship-level defense under the NBA's restrictive new salary cap?