Austin Reaves Returns Strong with 35 Points, Lakers Confident in Re-Signing

Austin Reaves has made a significant return to form for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading a comeback win against the 76ers with 35 points (21 in the second half) in his second game back after missing 19 games with a strained left calf. He played 25 minutes, exceeding his restriction. Off the court, the Lakers' chances of re-signing Reaves this offseason are strong, with other teams having burned through cap space. Reaves, who will be an unrestricted free agent after declining his $14.9 million player option, has shown no indications of leaving, and a mutual understanding of his next contract's cost likely exists. The Lakers plan to utilize his lower cap hold to spend cap space first, then re-sign him over the cap.