The NBA has officially released the full 2025-26 season schedule. The Lakers, with 34 nationally televised games, are tied with three other teams for the most in the league. The number of nationally televised games reflects public opinion. Clearly, with Dončić and James attracting attention, the Lakers remain the league's "true traffic powerhouse."

As a top-tier traffic-producing team, the boost to players' market value from these numerous nationally televised games is unparalleled in the league.

Among them, Austin Rivers is likely to benefit the most from the price increase.

Dončić and James are the faces of the league, already commanding top market value. Eight-inch, Ayton, and Smart are relatively stable players and are all seeking their next excellent contract. Vincent and Van der Biao have already signed "generous contracts."

Judging from the performance over the past two seasons, Rivers, whose performance has been improving each season, is the player the Lakers need the most attention.

Rivers is about to negotiate a contract extension with the Lakers. Due to his explosive growth in statistics, his contract extension has been the subject of extensive discussion. Some believe Rivers is a must-have for the Lakers and can earn over $3,000 per year; others believe he can be traded at a higher price; and still others believe Rivers is only worth $25 million per year.

So, what is Rivers' level of skill? How much can he command with the Lakers?

Rivers's skill level is unique, making it difficult for the Lakers to trade him.

Last season, Austin Rivers played 73 games for the Lakers, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.9 minutes per game. He shot 46%, 37.7%, and 87.7% from the field, setting career highs in many categories.

Rivers's improvement appears to be rapid, reaching the level of a top-tier guard based on his statistics. His on-court performance has also not disappointed, with numerous impressive scoring performances, earning him the nickname "Wonder Boy."

Rivers' physical attributes are average, with no particularly outstanding features. However, his technical skills are solid, including excellent shooting, superb foul-drawing skills, and exceptional finishing ability on drives. He can dribble past defenders and finish with a slick footwork, finishing with layups or floaters at the rim.

He's even honed his playmaking skills, making him a promising rising star.

Unfortunately, while Rivers' strengths are noteworthy, his weaknesses are equally prominent.

Rivers truly "dropped the ball" in the playoffs, revealing numerous turnovers on drives, a weak ability to shoot three-pointers with the ball, a reliance on open looks, and limited ability to create his own scoring opportunities.

Averaging 16 points per game, his shooting percentage plummeted to 41% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. His contributions as the Lakers' second and third leading scorers in the regular season were effectively underutilized.

The Lakers' record has indeed plummeted.

Perhaps most distressingly, his defensive intensity was fully exposed in the playoffs. When he and Dončić shared the court, the team struggled to cover both of them. As a result, Rivers' defensive efficiency rating of 116.3 ranked 72nd among players at his position, and the Lakers allowed 6.3 more points per 100 possessions with him on the court.

This made defense an indelible blemish on his skill set.

After just one playoff run with Dončić, rumors of a trade surfaced. In reality, his defensive shortcomings and his underwhelming playoff performance undoubtedly played a significant role.

But Rivers' strengths still outweigh his weaknesses.

To be honest, Rivers has a great defensive attitude, able to limit opposing speed guards with his nimble footwork. Unfortunately, he's a bit weak in contact, and his steals and blocks stats are in the lower-to-mid range for his position, making his defensive contribution limited.

So, overall, Rivers's level is truly unique in the league, and he shares some similarities with the Heat's Herro.

This is reason enough for the Lakers to invest resources and vision in him.

You have to remember that Herro has become the core of the Heat's offense, and while Rivers may not be as good as Herro in some areas, his overall performance is equally excellent.

There are many players in the league who are strong offensively but weak defensively. While they have diverse offensive methods, including those with both the ball and off the ball, and even possessing some passing ability, few possess the fortitude to thrive in clutch situations.

Given his level of skill, it would be difficult for the Lakers to trade him unless they can acquire a true superstar.

The Lakers' current roster is good. While their defense is certainly weak, their offense is certainly formidable. The Lakers' chances of standing out won't hinge on player trades, but rather on how they adjust their rotations. This presents a real challenge for the head coach.

Overall, Rivers is a good player. Judging him by more than just one playoff performance, he's worth looking forward to.

Rivers' future contract with the Lakers is expected to be around $30 million per year.

Of course, evaluating Rivers's quality also depends on his contract.

Rivers has many options for future contracts. According to NBC Sports reporter Kurt Helin, whether he stays with the Lakers or joins another team, he'd like to secure a contract with an average annual salary similar to that of Heat star Tyler Herro (who signed a four-year, $120 million contract in 2023).

There's no doubt that Rivers has expressed his desire for a $30 million contract.

So, is Rivers worth a $30 million contract?

Objectively speaking, it's only a slight premium. There's no need to dwell on Rivers' strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at the caliber of other players around the league with $30 million contracts.

Derrick White of the Celtics; Jrue Holiday, who was traded to the Trail Blazers; Tyler Herro, the Heat's core player; Jordan Puer, the Wizards' core player; and Andy Murray, the Hawks' core player.

While many believe that players like Brunson and Haliburton, capable of being core offensive players, averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, command annual salaries between $30 million and $40 million, their contracts are indeed slightly lower. This doesn't mean Rivers' $30 million request is unreasonable.

In fact, Coby White, a player of the same caliber, also demanded a $30 million contract from the Bulls. Therefore, according to market value, this price is reasonable and only a slight premium.

Rivers's statistics and level have indeed reached this standard. Even though he's easily targeted defensively, Rivers has the financial resources to demand this amount given the soaring salary cap.

What's more, the Lakers already offered Rivers a contract worth around $23 million, so his bargaining wasn't out of line.

Of course, regardless of whether it's a premium, the Lakers are certainly willing to offer a contract of this caliber, as Rivers, as a rookie they've developed, holds a certain degree of "family" significance. Fullcourtpass, an American media outlet, updated its social media accounts, reposting Jovan Buha's latest report on Austin Rivers.

"Austin Rivers hopes to play for the Lakers for life and is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Lakers next summer with an annual salary exceeding $30 million."

As long as the Lakers want to remain competitive, they must offer this contract.

If Rivers performs even better during the Lakers' 34 nationally televised games, the contract they'll have to pay will be even higher. 34 nationally televised games = Rivers' value "accelerator," which goes without saying.

Let's look forward to the Lakers and Rivers' performance in the new season.

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