Lakers Weigh Options with Austin Reaves as Trade Deadline Approaches

As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a delicate position regarding shooting guard Austin Reaves. Despite being one of their biggest trade assets, Reaves is considered close to untouchable by the Lakers’ front office, given his growing impact on the team and a favorable contract.

Over the past two seasons, Reaves has evolved into a key player for the Lakers, assuming a more significant role on the court. However, occasional inconsistency has been a concern, affecting the team’s performance.

While the Lakers are hesitant to part ways with Reaves, they remain open to the possibility if the right deal materializes. The team has been linked to All-Star guards Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls and Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks, both of whom could bolster the Lakers’ roster. Notably, Reaves may not be part of these potential trades.

According to Lakers Insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Reaves is highly valued by the team, and they have no immediate intention of trading him. The shooting guard is under a cost-controlled, team-friendly contract for at least two more seasons. For the Lakers to entertain the idea of moving Reaves, they would require either a clear-cut All-Star, surpassing the caliber of Murray or LaVine, or multiple upgrades to their rotation.

Buha states, “Reaves isn’t technically untouchable, but he’s close. The Lakers value him highly and have no interest in trading him, according to team and league sources.”

Retaining Reaves would be a positive development for the Lakers, especially given his ability to handle the pressure of postseason play. The shooting guard has demonstrated composure under the bright lights, earning praise from the Lakers’ front office.

While the clock is ticking on the current season, the Lakers remain open to making necessary upgrades. The addition of an All-Star guard could enhance the team’s prospects, and keeping Reaves in the mix would further solidify their lineup. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers continue to navigate potential moves to optimize their roster for the remainder of the season.