He might be a Los Angeles Laker, but there’s no denying that Austin Reaves is as likable as they come. Humble, hungry, and deceptively talented, ‘Hillbilly Kobe’ has become a feel-good story of the summer.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers front office spent the opening weeks of the offseason peacocking about their willingness to match any offer sheet their restricted free agent could potentially sign. Los Angeles then tied Reaves down to a four-year $53.8 million deal.
Things could have been so different, though.
During the 2021 NBA Draft, the Celtics held the 45th pick — which ultimately ended up becoming Juhann Begarin — placing them in range to select Reaves.