The ongoing debate about the greatest basketball player ever often centers on Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but LA Lakers player Austin Reaves has added a surprising viewpoint. Despite sharing the court with James, Reaves declared Kobe Bryant as the greatest basketball player in a recent interview, highlighting his lifelong admiration for Bryant.
LeBron James has publicly claimed he is the GOAT (greatest of all time), yet many players, including some of his own teammates, do not fully agree. For instance, Luka Doncic named Michael Jordan as the top player. While some endorse James’s case, others emphasize championship counts where Bryant and Jordan excel.
Reaves’s Contract Negotiations Could Affect Lakers’ Future Plans
After an impressive career start, Reaves declined a max extension offer from the Lakers this offseason, opting to wait until he becomes a free agent next year. Projections suggest he could earn upwards of $30 million annually, but skepticism remains among league executives.
One anonymous NBA general manager told Athlon Sports’ Sean Deveney that a $30 million salary for Reaves is unlikely in the current market. He pointed out that money that once flowed more freely for players with certain roles is now being scrutinized more closely, citing Zach LaVine’s $215 million contract with the Bulls as an example of overpaying that teams now want to avoid.
“Two years ago, Reaves would get $30 million, no doubt, If there had been more (cap) space, he might have gotten it then. There has been a mindset to being willing to overpay players based on, almost, where they’re supposed to slot in. So, Zach LaVine got $215 (million) even though the Bulls knew they did not want to give it to him and tried to trade him as soon as they did give it. And there’s 15, 20 guys like that. You can’t do that anymore. You can’t just say, ‘Well, he averages 20 (points) so he needs to get $30 (million) per year.’ No. You’re going to have to take these negotiations more seriously. You’re going to have to be realistic about what a guy is worth, on both ends of the floor, before you put a number out there. And Austin Reaves should get $24, $25 (million) a year. Not $30. It matters.”
—Anonymous NBA General Manager
Lakers Face Difficult Decisions on Reaves’s Value and Role
Austin Reaves has demonstrated strong performance since joining the Lakers as an undrafted player in 2021, culminating in a standout season last year where he averaged 20.2 points per game. While his skills are unquestioned, whether he justifies a $30 million salary remains uncertain and depends heavily on his performance this season.
The Lakers currently have a complex roster situation. Reaves and Luka Doncic, the franchise’s cornerstone, have overlapping skill sets, which complicates how the team builds around them. The organization might prioritize adding players who complement Doncic’s style, making Reaves’s contract negotiations more tense depending on his fit and contributions.
If Reaves continues to elevate his play, it will be difficult for the Lakers to let him leave, but the financial realities and team dynamics create pressure on both sides to find common ground.
Why Reaves’s Perspective on Basketball Greatness Matters
Austin Reaves’s choice of Kobe Bryant as the greatest player ever carries weight given his direct experience with LeBron James and his proximity to elite basketball talent. This perspective challenges common narratives and sparks conversation in the basketball community about what truly defines greatness—championships, individual skill, or legacy.
As the NBA continues evolving, opinions from players like Reaves illuminate the nuanced ways athletes evaluate their peers, often contrasting with media-driven debates. Their voices provide depth to the ongoing conversation on basketball history and greatness criteria.