8. Austin Reaves
Amid the injury issues that the Los Angeles Lakers faced this season, Austin Reaves emerged as a legitimate budding star. He was, oftentimes, the team’s third-best player and you can even make the argument that he was the team’s most consistent player this past season. Coming off a postseason in which he averaged 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds on 44 percent shooting from 3-point range, Reaves is hitting restricted free agency at a great time.
The line to speak to Reaves should be long and there will be multiple offers on the table. Whether he signs a contract with the Lakers or another team is quite irrelevant. Ultimately, where he lands will fall on the shoulders of the Lakers. As a restricted free agency, Los Angeles will have every opportunity to match any offer sheet he signs.
At least for now, even though there will be plenty of interest for Reaves, the expectation is that he’s going to be back in a Lakers uniform next season.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers