The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly planning to convert Austin Reaves’ contract to a guaranteed roster spot, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Reaves, a 2021 rookie, signed with the Lakers on a two-way deal as an undrafted free agent after reportedly intentionally falling out of the draft to sign with the franchise.
Reaves, a 6-foot-5 guard, played collegiate basketball at Oklahoma for most of his seasons and became known as an initiator on offense who could make tough baskets.
The 23-year-old guard played for the Lakers during the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League games, most notably hitting an absurd game-winning shot.
Second year on Austin Reaves’ deal will be a team option, sources said. Lakers have had success developing unheralded players such as Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso and view Reaves — a 6-foot-5 guard — in a similar mold. https://t.co/i1IMRiAOg1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 26, 2021
With Reaves becoming the 14th guaranteed spot, which general manager Rob Pelinka said would happen before training camp, the Lakers now have an open two-way spot. Chaundee Brown, Mac McClung or Cam Oliver, three players currently on training camp deals, could compete for that spot.