An NBA skilled has chimed in on his ideas a few star on the LA Lakers, who may very well be traded away from the staff.
After dropping within the first spherical of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the LA Lakers had been all the time going to have a busy offseason.
Nonetheless, issues haven’t fully gone as deliberate for the Purple and Gold. LeBron James’ future with the staff has been a subject of concern since he picked his participant choice.
Luka Doncic can be eligible for a max-extension quickly and if he doesn’t signal the contract, issues might get fairly messy for them.
Amid all these talks about James and Doncic, Austin Reaves additionally carries significance as he proved his brilliance with the staff final season, however that doesn’t assure he’ll stick with the Lakers.
Reaves was provided a four-year $90 million deal by the Lakers, however he turned that down as he might earn some more cash if he indicators an extension subsequent yr.
However that may show to be too pricey for the staff and will lead to him being a commerce candidate.
Chris Mannix revealed that Reaves had numerous expertise, however with Doncic additionally on the roster, the Lakers didn’t primarily want him.
Talking about Reaves, Mannix stated: “If I used to be the Lakers, I’d be what they may probably get for Austin Reaves, not as a result of Austin Reaves is a lesser participant.
“There may be some overlap in what Austin Reaves does and what Luka Doncic does.”
He additional went on to say that the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have the items to commerce for Reaves.
“I would have a look at a staff like New York, that has Mikael Bridges, OG Anunoby, three-and-d sorts of guys.
“The Knicks below Mike Brown, seeking to develop into extra numerous offensively, perhaps they’d be curious about one thing like that.
“I’d have a look at Toronto and among the guys they’ve there.
“Three-and-D guys that is sensible for the Lakers with Luka and LeBron than Austin Reaves essentially does,” Mannix added.
Reaves joined the Lakers as an undrafted participant, however in his rookie season he confirmed nice potential and have become a key a part of their roster.
In his sophomore yr, the Lakers made it to the playoffs, and that was when Reaves fully confirmed LA what he was able to.
Since then, Reaves has continued engaged on his sport, delivering good performances for the Purple and Gold.
The 2024-25 season was his finest for the staff as he averaged 20 factors and stepped up when James and Doncic had been absent.
| Season | Factors |
| 2024-25 | 20.2 |
| 2023-24 | 15.9 |
| 2022-23 | 13 |
Doncic particularly praised Reaves’ sport and acknowledged that he has loved enjoying alongside the 27-year-old.
Indications are that James may very well be on his manner out of LA after this season, which suggests they are going to want a participant to help Doncic.
Though Reaves will not be the star the Lakers are used to, he has all of the instruments to be a terrific participant for the group.
They’re planning for his or her future, and if Reaves continues enjoying properly, he may very well be part of it and assist Doncic in making the Lakers nice once more.
