2 Years Before Signing $53,827,872 Contract, LeBron James’ Teammate Plotted To Go Undrafted for a Two-Way With Lakers: “All About Playing the Long Game”

The Los Angeles Lakers found a hidden gem in 2021. After trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook on the 2021 draft night, the Lakers were left with no impressive option at the shooting guard position. This is where Austin Reaves came in. Reaves has become a close friend to The King, LeBron James too in his stint with the Lakers so far. However, before he made it to the Lakers roster, he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Reaves made headlines in the 2023 playoffs with his incredible run as the Lakers’ starting shooting guard. The Oklahoma Sooners alum quickly rose to become the third scoring option for the Lakers in just his second year in the league. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers. However, as it turns out, Reaves had this all planned out.

Reaves reveals his masterplan to join LeBron James, and the Lakers

Austin Reaves has seen an unbelievable rise to the top since signing a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. In just two years, Reaves has shown what he is capable of as a brilliant shooter and playmaker. The journey from a two-way contract to a whopping $53,827,872 contract has seen him become a pivotal player in the LeBron James led Lakers roster. However, Reaves had this whole journey planned out before he even entered the league.

In conversation with former NBA players, Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Reaves revealed his masterplan before the draft that landed him in Los Angeles. “It feels great,” he said when asked about securing his major deal. “Like I said, everything comes full circle and all I needed was an opportunity and I knew that….my agency putting me in a good position to have all that. We could have got drafted 42nd to Detroit, but kind of declined that to kind of put me in LA for a better spot.”

He then went onto add, “We tried teams. Best fit for me and I think LA was two on the list at the time….trying to put me in a position to be able to get a roster spot. We knew that there was a high interest for a two-way, so we didn’t really have to press…..it was all about playing the long game.”

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Reaves’ brilliant plan worked incredibly to find the 25 year old a roster spot on the Lakers. However, how did this move help the Lakers?

Reaves has a pivotal role in Los Angeles

Austin Reaves entered the league as a two-way guard for the Lakers. But his unbelievable production has seen him become a pivotal piece in their roster. From signature shoes to a whopping $53M contract with the Lakers, Reaves has seen success like he would have never imagined.

Reaves has backed his off court success with phenomenal on court performance. The Arkansas native has stepped up every time the Lakers needed some offensive execution. His clutch shots and timely passes have elevated the Lakers offence on several occasions. He also became the first undrafted rookie to record a triple-double. After averaging 16.9 PPG and 4.6 APG in the Lakers’ stunning Western Conference Finals run, it was no surprise that the 25 year old bagged a lucrative deal. This deal however, will keep Reaves in Los Angeles for 4 more years.

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With 4 years left on his contract with the Lakers, Reaves will have a major responsibility. The team made a spectacular playoff run last season after a disastrous 2-10 start in the regular season. This time around, the Lakers will look to make an impact from the very beginning. With Reaves becoming their third scoring option, it will be a huge task to deliver every time the team needs him.