General Manager, Rob Pelinka orchestrated a masterclass for the Lakers in the middle of last season. Seeing that the roster didn’t fit whatsoever, he brought in players who could shoot and play defense to go along with it. Paying dividends, the moves helped LeBron James and the franchise make it to the Western Conference Finals’. And during this offseason, the front office clearly wants to build on that. With the same intention, the team re-signed Austin Reaves to a 4-year, $56,000,000 contract. And the announcement of the extension has impressed Skip Bayless.
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Reaves was doing great last season. In 5 games of the Western Conference Finals against eventual champions, Denver Nuggets, Austin Reaves recorded averages of 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He shot 45.2% from the field, 50% from three, and 92% from the free-throw line.
The numbers are highly encouraging, especially considering this was his first-ever trip to the postseason. That said, it is hard to disagree with Skip Bayless’ vehement words about the young man.
Skip Bayless calls Austin Reaves ‘the biggest reason’ LeBron James could win his 5th ring
LeBron James may arguably be the GOAT at the moment. However, a 5th ring would inarguably help his argument beyond any limits, against Michael Jordan.
For that to happen, James needs players around him that can help him win a championship. Unfortunately for him, the days he could carry a team alone are gone.
With that being said, the signing of Austin Reaves on about $12,000,000 per season is beyond a shrewd move on the part of the Lakers, and one that Skip Bayless recently cheered on, on Twitter. Take a look.
The biggest reason LeBron James has a chance to win his 5th ring is the fact that the Lakers locked down Austin Reaves.pic.twitter.com/WTyyxp54ND
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 11, 2023
“The biggest reason LeBron James has a chance to win his 5th ring is the fact that the Lakers locked down Austin Reaves.”
As mentioned earlier, the signing of Austin Reaves does nothing but a world of good for the Lakers. However, being in the same conference as the Denver Nuggets, can the team even make the NBA Finals during the upcoming season?
Only time will tell.
Austin Reaves signs a brand-new shoe deal
Getting back to Austin Reaves’ meteoric rise, it appears that he doesn’t just share Michael Jordan’s relentless mentality. As he made clear with his recent 7-Figure deal with Rigorer, a shoe company based out of Singapore.
Something beyond a bold choice, Reaves is hoping to be to this brand, what Jordan was to Nike, something you can read about here. Frankly, if he continues on his current path, it is likely he will achieve this goal.