Los Angeles Lakers set to employ impactful strategy against rival teams pursuing Austin Reaves with lucrative contract

Lakers have a strategy to counter rival teams' max offer sheet for Austin Reaves in NBA free agency.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a unique strategy in place to counter any massive max offer sheet that may come their way for restricted free agent Austin Reaves in NBA free agency. Reaves has emerged as one of the standout players on the Lakers' roster, going from an undrafted talent to a key starter and a crucial part of their success in the 2022-2023 season, where they reached the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers are keen on retaining Reaves and are prepared to offer him a max deal this summer. However, there are rumors that teams like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs may make a "poison-pill" offer sheet for Reaves, which the Lakers are expected to match. However, ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin revealed an intriguing strategy that the Lakers will employ to hurt any team that forces them to match a massive offer for Reaves.

According to McMenamin, at precisely 3 PM PT, the Lakers will present a four-year, $52 million max offer to Reaves, which is the most they can offer him. If another team decides to offer more money, such as $100 million from the Houston Rockets or San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers will wait until July 6, the last minute, to match that offer and hold up the team's cap space. This strategy puts pressure on any team looking to disrupt the Lakers' plans and potentially jeopardizes their own free agency plans, as they won't know their salary cap situation until July 6.

The Lakers' strategy is a bold move that could deter teams from making a competitive offer for Reaves. The Rockets and Spurs, who have the cap space to sign multiple notable free agents, would face uncertainty and potential setbacks if they choose to pursue Reaves with a massive offer. The Lakers are willing to play the waiting game and exploit the timing to their advantage, ensuring that any team that challenges them will face the consequences.

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