LeBron’s Return Could Hinder Austin Reaves’ All-Star, $240M Hopes

Austin Reaves has been on a tear this season and he is living up to his brash statement that he would like to be an NBA All-Star. His statistics are eloquent he is only one of the few players scoring higher than him and his assist per game of 9.3 is one of the best in the league. However, despite such an impressive streak, there is one big question, which is what will happen when LeBron James gets back on the court?

Jovan Buha, who is a Lakers insider, stated that the dream of Reaves to play in the All-Star game may be erased after LeBron James returns. Buha thinks that Reaves would only make it to happen in case LeBron James misses considerable time or loses eligibility. With Luka and LeBron as the starters, then the Lakers would likely have to become a top two or three seed to have a third All-Star, Buha explained on his YouTube channel. It is extremely unlikely provided that they fall to fourth, fifth or sixth towards voting time.

The Golden State Warriors were the most recent team to have three All-Star selections pulled off and the team had a superstar-heavy lineup. It would be difficult to pull that off again in the case of the Lakers – with all the competition of the elite guards. They are further hampered by the new USA vs. World All-Star format which aims at the finest players of America as opposed to the balance of the conference. It implies that Reaves would be competing with such stars as Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, and Jalen Brunson people do not fight easily.

The All-Star nod may not come but Reeves has had a season to break out. This summer, the 27-year-old guard declined a 90 million contract renewal, gambling on himself to score higher, and it seems so far that the bet may be made. In the absence of LeBron, Reaves has been able to thrive as a play maker even scoring a career high of 51 points in a single game. His versatility as the lead guard or as the other star on the floor demonstrates that he has become highly valuable to the long-term plans of the Lakers.

NBA officials across the country have been observing. One executive of the Western Conference informed the press that he has always been a very good player but now he is in a position where he can make and dominate the offense. A person will pay him much money the following summer.

It would be up to $30 million per season in payday, particularly in the event that LeBron James decides to walk and opens up some cap space. In or out of the All-Star stage this year, Reaves is already on his way up — and his wager on himself already is beginning to pay off.

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