This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers will need to solve a lot of issues. In addition to looking for a new head coach, LeBron James has the option to opt out of his contract, which would make him a free agent. Although it is said that the Lakers will be active in the offseason, will they trade Austin Reaves?

The two best players on the Lakers are LeBron and Anthony Davis. LA desires to develop around them. Naturally, in the event that LeBron decides to opt out of his contract, it will be crucial to figure out how to re-sign him. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that the Lakers believe Reaves fits well with the team led by James and Davis. Consequently, they would “prefer” to avoid trading Reaves in any deals.

Reaves has previously been linked to trade rumors. However, a deal has not materialized. Reaves’ performance supporting the team’s superstars as a vital role player has apparently impressed the Lakers.

It will be intriguing to watch if Los Angeles alters its mind on Reaves if it decides to trade for one or more stars, as has been suggested. The 26-year-old is likely to be of interest to teams. He can make an impact on the game as a starting guard or play well coming off the bench.

In the 2022–2023 NBA season, Reaves was considered for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Of the 82 games he participated in season 2023–24, Reaves started 57 of them. The Lakers guard shot 36.7 percent from three-point range and 48.6 percent from the field to average 15.9 points per game. Each game, he added 5.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

The value of Austin Reaves given the Lakers’ trade attitude

Reaves is a capable player even though he isn’t a superstar. The Lakers regard him highly for a reason. Star players lead every championship-caliber squad, but they are not the only important players on the club. Building a competitive squad in the NBA requires depth above all else.

The Lakers will keep assessing their personnel in the future. Naturally, LeBron James’ ultimate choice will have a significant impact on their offseason plan as well. One has to wonder if the Lakers would start again if LeBron left. But if James stays, Los Angeles will exert every effort to prevail.

Reaves participated in all 82 games, as was previously stated. With players missing far too many games due to injuries, durability is becoming more and more important. Reaves previously talked about his mentality and his capacity to remain on the court, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Reaves declared in April, “I’ve got everything I can give.” “I’m going to do that each and every night.” I’m going to give it everything I’ve got until our final game, at which point I’ll be able to unwind. Every game this year, I’ve played. Despite my lengthy playoff run to the Western Conference Finals and the summer of last year, I’m in good health. At this point, your dream is to participate in these kinds of games all the way to the playoffs. I’m heading out there to give it my all.

Austin Reaves is expected to return to the Lakers for the 2024–25 season, unless the franchise receives an offer that is just too good to refuse.