The Los Angeles Lakers are actively scouring the trade market to fix their issues at guard by getting an All-Star-level talent. Cavaliers’ point guard Darius Garland could be a Lakers target for a realistic trade, according to ESPN insider Bobby Marks, who sees Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura going to Cleveland.
“If the Cavaliers do make Garland available, one trade that could make sense would be a package centered around the Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Reaves’ shooting skills would complement Mitchell, and Hachimura gives the Cavaliers depth in the frontcourt if they look to trade Allen.”
Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season, struggling to thrive alongside Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. It’s been rumored that the Cavaliers will look to split Garland and Mitchell up this summer if they get a long-term commitment from Mitchell, who is a free agent at the end of next season.
Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season, continuing to show why he’s a dependable combo guard who is versatile enough to adjust his play style when required.
Rui Hachimura had a late-season surge and ended the year averaging 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds. Both players were starters for the Lakers in their Playoff run, so the Lakers need to be wary before giving up their core rotation for another top-heavy team that will fail.
What Would A Trade Look Like?
The odds of the Cavaliers letting Garland go for two rotational players are high, but they’ll agitate for a Draft pick. Given Garland’s reduced stock, the caliber of players in the deal could lead to the Lakers leaving this deal with a few tradeable future assets.
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Darius Garland
If I were the Lakers, I wouldn’t agree to this deal. The Western Conference Finals is proving that teams need depth to be able to succeed. Even the almighty Nuggets couldn’t continue their attempt at a repeat because of the lack of depth on their roster from last season to this.
Garland is a fringe All-Star point guard who succeeds when he’s the focus of the offense. He’s also a complete defensive liability, so I don’t see what the Lakers gain from this deal. Reaves and Hachimura might be worse players from a talent standpoint, but both have important roles that they fulfill on this roster. Garland can’t bring what either provides at the moment.
Unless the Lakers are getting a third star of Donovan Mitchell’s caliber, any of these deals feel like a step backward. They missed the Playoffs the last time they tried running a big three, saving their season by adding depth in the trade market in 2023.
If they can acquire a genuine All-NBA caliber player like Mitchell, any deal that makes them give up their starters for one player is a deal that will lead to more competitive uncertainty next season.
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