Austin Reaves' recent play could make it harder for the Lakers to keep him on a new contract, but it looks like he would like to stay put.

It was during the 2011-12 NBA season that the New York Knicks' backup guard, Jeremy Lin, had an electrifying two-week run, going from being the last man on the Knicks' bench to the best player in the NBA.

Kenny Smith was the main character in Inside the NBA's first big misstep on ESPN. During the show's third broadcast on their new network, Smith compared Austin Reaves to Jeremy Lin. His co-stars immediately called him out.

Seemingly everyone around the NBA was talking about him on Wednesday night after he crushed the Timberwolves with his runner in the lane to beat the buzzer and give the Los Angeles Lakers a 116-115 victory.

However, as Richard Jefferson pointed out, until the Lakers climb to the Top three seeds in the West, Reaves' chances of earning his first All-Star nod remain slim due to the overwhelming presence of two other superstars who are set to earn All-Star regardless of team success.

Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, deal him to former blockbuster trade partner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Stephen A. Smith heaps praise on Austin Reaves for stepping up for the Lakers after his game-winning shot vs. the Timberwolves.