“$90 Million Ain’t Enough”: Kendrick Perkins Re-Evaluates Austin Reaves’ Contract After 50-Point Game

Austin Reaves has emerged from an undrafted guard to become one of the most important cogs in the Los Angeles Lakers.

“$90 Million Ain’t Enough”: Kendrick Perkins Re-Evaluates Austin Reaves’ Contract After 50-Point Game

Austin Reaves deserves more than $90 million contract, feels Kendrick Perkins (Image via FirstSportz)

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Last season, despite playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves held his ground and proved that he was the 3rd wheel in the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship dreams.

He posted his career high of 45 points, and in that process joined some franchise greats. However, he could not continue his form into the playoffs after it came to light that he was dealing with multiple injuries.

The Lakers ignored his postseason struggles and decided to offer the Arkansas native an extension of up to $89 million. He declined it at the time, and many believed he was making the same mistake a certain Dennis Schroder did a few years back.

In his first two games this season, he played well, scoring 26 and 25 points respectively. In their 3rd game against the Sacramento Kings, he scored exactly what he produced on those two nights collectively.

Games like tonight is why Austin Reaves thought 4 years 90mm ain’t enough… and damnit he’s right! Almost a 50 point triple double and a W. Lakers better figure it the hell out.

Kendrick Perkins wrote on X

This was former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, who believes Austin Reaves’ 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists would instantly double his contract worth.

There is no way a player producing that much is worth just the $22 million per year the Lakers were offering. Now, Perkins believes the 27-year-old has proved he is capable of being a leading superstar.

LeBron James joins in to sign Austin Reaves’ praise

Before the Lakers strolled into Sacramento, it was obvious that Austin Reaves would have to lead the team. After all, LeBron James is already out until mid-November, and Luka Doncic was placed on the injury report after hurting a finger.

Both superstars did not travel with the team, spending time at home or with the medical staff. The King watched the game, and wrote this once his understudy set career-highs in points.

50 piece (chicken) nugget!!!!! That boy AR TOOOO TOUGH!!

LeBron James wrote on X

The all-time leading scorer has always been in the undrafted guard’s corner, and helped him get his feet set in the league despite facing the burden of playing in the heralded purple and gold jersey.

No wonder he was ecstatic that Reaves proved his worth and ended up with the best performance of his career. Now, the criticisms surrounding him should be put to bed.

Luka Doncic wanted Austin Reaves to score 60

After Austin Reaves finished his on-court interviews, it was time to answer questions from the media. When he sat down in the away media center, one of the questions was pertaining to Luka Doncic’s absence, and whether the two had a conversation before the game.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have developed a good relationship
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have developed a good relationship (Image via Basket USA/X)

I texted him this morning… Our whole relationship is just talking trash back and forth. Towards the end of the conversation, he was like, ‘I need 60 tonight.’

Austin Reaves revealed

The banter between the two do-it-all guards is evident from this revelation. It has shades of when Shaquille O’Neal asked Kobe Bryant to score 60, and the late great ended up scoring 81.

Reaves and Doncic’s chemistry is crucial if the Lakers are to become a championship contender. Some may believe the former is expendable, as he has similar skills, but sometimes having two options could be a blessing, just like it was in this game.

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