Austin Reaves: From Undrafted Free Agent to Lakers Star

Austin Reaves: From Undrafted Free Agent to Lakers Star

Austin Reaves’ journey to becoming a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers is nothing short of remarkable. Despite going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Reaves has defied the odds and built himself into one of the team’s rising stars. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the belief in one’s abilities.

Undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft

Unlike many of his peers, Austin Reaves was not selected in the 2021 NBA Draft. Despite an impressive college career at the University of Oklahoma, where he averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, Reaves did not hear his name called when the draft unfolded. Being undrafted is a tough blow for many aspiring players, but Reaves was determined to prove his worth.

The Pistons’ Offer and the Decision to Decline

Before the draft, the Detroit Pistons had expressed interest in Reaves and were reportedly willing to take him with the 42nd pick. However, Reaves had a different plan. Instead of signing a two-way contract with Detroit, he opted to decline the offer and pursue a different path.

Reaves’ decision was driven by a desire to avoid being locked into a two-way contract, which would limit his opportunities and keep him shuttled between the NBA and G League. He believed that by taking his chances with a different team, he could find a better situation for his career. His gamble would ultimately pay off in ways he couldn’t have anticipated.

A Key Decision: Signing with the Lakers

On August 3, 2021, Reaves signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving him a chance to prove himself on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. It was a huge step forward, but his story didn’t end there. Less than two months later, on September 27, 2021, Reaves was rewarded with a standard NBA contract, a sign that the Lakers were impressed with his abilities and potential.

This was the turning point in Reaves’ career. His patience, self-belief, and decision to decline the Pistons’ offer had opened the door to an opportunity with the Lakers that would eventually allow him to grow into a key player.

Betting on Himself

Reaves’ decision to bet on himself was not an easy one. Two-way contracts offer guaranteed money but often come with limited NBA opportunities. Reaves, however, was confident that by choosing the Lakers, he would be able to develop his skills further and seize the opportunity to play a significant role. He wasn’t looking for a backup plan – he wanted a chance to prove that he belonged at the highest level of basketball.

As it turns out, this bold move worked out. Reaves quickly became a reliable contributor for the Lakers, showing his versatility and basketball IQ. His ability to create plays, shoot efficiently, and defend with intensity made him a valuable asset to the team, particularly during their playoff runs.

Austin Reaves in the 2024-25 Season

Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, and Austin Reaves is now a prominent member of the Lakers. He signed a contract extension worth $12,976,362, a testament to his growth and the trust the Lakers have in his abilities. From an undrafted free agent to a rising star with All-Star potential, Reaves’ story is an inspiring one for aspiring athletes everywhere.

A Bargain for the Lakers

Looking at Reaves’ rise, one can’t help but wonder how much the Lakers have benefitted from their investment in him. Given his rapid development and his performance on the court, Reaves’ current salary seems like a bargain, especially as he continues to grow and build a strong case for All-Star status in the near future. The Lakers secured an incredible value when they believed in Reaves, and it’s likely that his salary will only continue to climb as his career progresses.

Final thoughts

Austin Reaves’ journey from undrafted to NBA starter is a perfect example of why you should never underestimate the power of persistence and self-belief. He turned down a guaranteed offer to take a risk, and that decision is now paying off in a big way. Reaves has shown that with hard work, determination, and the willingness to bet on yourself, anything is possible in the NBA. The Lakers found a gem in Reaves, and as his career continues to blossom, it seems they got a future All-Star for a fraction of what he could eventually be worth.