Lakers Unwilling to Trade Austin Reaves Without Acquiring Clear-Cut All-Star

Recent reports indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers are adamant about retaining Austin Reaves and would only consider trading him if they can secure a bona fide All-Star in return. The Lakers’ commitment to keeping Reaves is evident, with the team reportedly rejecting a hypothetical trade proposal with the Detroit Pistons.

The proposed trade, featuring Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick going to Detroit for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, was swiftly dismissed by the Lakers. The team’s reluctance to part ways with Reaves is clear, emphasizing their desire to keep him unless a significant All-Star player is involved in any potential trade.

“The exception would be in a deal for a clear-cut third All-Star, with a name like Lauri Markannen being the only player of that ilk potentially available on the trade market (and an unrealistic option for the Lakers, to be clear).”

Reaves has emerged as a key player for the Lakers during the 2023-24 regular season, showcasing his versatility and consistency. In his third season with the team, the 25-year-old has yet to miss a game and is contributing significantly with averages of 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His well-rounded performance places him in the top five on the team in points, assists, and rebounds per game.

While Reaves faced a challenging offensive outing in the recent game against the Golden State Warriors, shooting 4-of-14 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep, his overall impact on the team has been pivotal. The Lakers, currently 24-23 on the season, have secured two consecutive wins and are making a push for a higher seed in the competitive Western Conference.

The Lakers’ stance on Reaves reflects his value to the team, considering both his current productivity and his young age. The team’s apparent unwillingness to part with him unless they secure a clear-cut All-Star underlines their commitment to building a competitive roster. As the Lakers aim for a third straight win against the Houston Rockets, Reaves remains a crucial asset for the team’s success.