“No one saw this coming,” Reggie Miller said of Austin Reaves’ sudden rise with the Lakers. No one except Reaves himself. Before the season, he turned down a four-year 89.2 million extension because he wanted to earn a bigger role and stay in Los Angeles long term. Now that Reaves is performing well, someone else may have to make room, and everyone feels it is LeBron James.

Miller is astonished at Reaves becoming the perfect ‘Robin’ to Luka Doncic. That role would have been for James, who, in Year 23, is operating as a third option for the first time in his career. But Reaves’ rapid evolution means the Lakers have to match the demands around the market to keep the flourishing star.

“He took a gamble on himself, Dan. And knock on wood, health provided, I think it’s going to pay off because the Lakers or someone is going to have to pay him because he is a legitimate number one on a bad team if he goes somewhere else,” Miller said about the 27-year-old.

“So, he could be a number one on a bad team or, if he stays with the Lakers, be an unbelievable Robin to Batman. Because he has certainly taken that role from LeBron, and I think they respect that.”

The magic number the Lakers could offer is a five-year $240.7 million extension. It being LeBron James’ last contractual year, Austin Reaves would essentially exchange places with him. If the Akron Hammer, at 41, is willing to take a substantial pay cut, he could still be with the Lakers organization. But the priority will be to lock in Reaves for the future.

Not only does he share a close relationship with Luka Doncic, but the undrafted guard has blown away the league. He is averaging 28.4 points and 6.7 assists. Those numbers jump to over 40 points per game when his Slovenian counterpart isn’t on the floor. It’s likely that the Lakers already see the tandem as their future backcourt.

But AR’s game goes so much beyond numbers.

Austin Reaves’ growth beyond the court

Until last season, with Anthony Davis and LeBron James at the helm, Reaves did a splendid job of assisting them as the third option. That’s where it became clear that the 27-year-old could really ramp up his production, being dexterous as a scorer and shining in big moments. But what really led to him being a silent MVP contender is his growth as a member of the Lakers.

However, JJ Redick forwarded his expectations. People didn’t view him as an undrafted find anymore. It was time to evolve beyond and really take the next step. And not just the Lakers head coach, but even Miller sees Austin Reaves becoming one of the leaders of the franchise.

“He is one of the biggest voices on this Lakers team. So, 50 million is coming his way either from the Lakers or from someone else,” Miller said on the Dan Patrick Show.

Top Stories

A’ja Wilson Issues Strong Statement on Caitlin Clark’s Meteoric WNBA Rise

Respect Pours In for Caitlin Clark After Latest Offseason Announcement

Paige Bueckers Shakes Hands With Chris Paul for Equity Deal in $300,000 Company

A’ja Wilson Announces Personal Decision With Bam Adebayo Amid Major Feat

Steve Kerr Makes Final Decision on Pat Spencer Amid Steph Curry’s Return

That jump doesn’t concern his desire to be an All-Star or one of the biggest names. Reaves loves the Lakers in every way possible. He wants to spend his entire career with the franchise. That’s why Redick’s demands to become a leader really settled in this season. It’s led to him taking onus when Doncic is out, and catapulting the Lakers to a number 6 offense in the NBA.

Minor concerns do exist. Reaves is yet to polish his skills as a defender. But there’s never a doubt about his effort or his inextinguishable competitive drive. Those have propelled great players to become legends in LA. AR15 is certainly on that path. And there’s no question about whether the Lakers should do their all to keep him with the team.

It’s not about business. They have a stunning piece who doesn’t play with an ego, but absorbs the team’s culture. Whatever the price might be, the Lakers shouldn’t hesitate.