Austin Reaves Rumors: Lakers Labeled 'Automatic' Certainty to Match Offer Sheets

Restricted free agent Austin Reaves is considered an "automatic match" by the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

While Lakers are limited in how much they can offer Reaves themselves because of the Arenas rule, they're allowed to match any offer sheet that he signs with another team. Stein noted he can sign for almost $100 million over four years elsewhere.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix filed a similar report to Stein on Wednesday, writing that the Lakers "have been signaling that they intend to match any offer for restricted free agents [Reaves] and Rui Hachimura."

Especially with how much the team came to rue letting Alex Caruso walk, it's hard to envision a scenario in which Los Angeles loses Reaves. The 25-year-old was arguably the third-best player in the playoffs, when he averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists as L.A. reached the Western Conference finals.

It will nonetheless be fascinating to see how Reaves' market unfolds given the general certainty about his return to the Lakers.

Interested suitors can occasionally move on from or at least cool their interest in a restricted free agent altogether when they sense his old team will reflexively match whatever is on the table.

Deandre Ayton, for example, had to wait until mid-July for a max offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers, which the Phoenix Suns ultimately matched.

The Lakers' perceived stance on Reaves could also work to their detriment. A rival general manager might bid a little more than they believe the 6'5" wing to be worth confident Los Angeles will be the one with his contract on the books.

Fans basically know how the Reaves sweepstakes will end. The devil will be in the details.