The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating the turbulent waters of trade rumors. However, amidst the chatter, one name remains firmly off the trading block – Austin Reaves. According to Jake Fischer, there is a notable lack of interest from other teams regarding potential trade scenarios involving D’Angelo Russell, leaving the Lakers with limited options to enhance their roster unless they consider parting ways with Reaves.
“There’s a lot of people very frustrated, a lot of agents calling the front office frustrated about their guys not getting the right opportunities.”
“And if you do want to look at potential trade scenarios the strategy of like resigning D’Angelo Russell to a theoretical tradable salary at $20 million, I’m not hearing from my calls around the league a ton of interest in that trade chip coming back.”
“I don’t really know what the Lakers are going to be able to do to upgrade this team if they’re not sending Austin Reaves out the door which of course they don’t want to do that. He’s their third-best player.”
The Lakers are NOT interested in trading Austin Reaves, per @JakeLFischer
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 10, 2024
The decision not to include Austin Reaves in trade talks is a testament to his significant role and impact on the team. Reaves, who secured a 4-year, $56 million contract in the offseason, has proven himself a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Averaging an impressive 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, Reaves has emerged as a strong contender for the 6th Man of the Year award. His on-court contributions, combined with a commendable shooting performance, make him an indispensable part of the Lakers’ lineup.
The organization seems determined to retain the rising star, signaling their high regard for his skills and potential. The Lakers’ reluctance to entertain trade talks involving Reaves suggests that any potential deal would have to be overwhelmingly favorable for them.
As the trade deadline approaches, and with Reaves playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ lineup, it appears increasingly likely that he will remain a crucial part of the team post-deadline. The decision to hold onto Reaves reflects the Lakers’ commitment to building around their promising talent and securing a bright future for the franchise.
The Lakers Should Hold On To Austin Reaves At Any Cost
In the midst of trade rumors swirling around the Los Angeles Lakers, one name that should be off the table is Austin Reaves. At 25 years old, Reaves has demonstrated immense potential and could evolve into an all-star caliber player in the next 2-3 years. While the win-now mentality is understandable, even LeBron James and Anthony Davis would likely oppose parting ways with Reaves, given his promising trajectory.
The Lakers, currently standing at an 18-19 record and sitting at the 10th spot in the competitive Western Conference, face the challenge of making strategic moves to improve their position. In a league where young talent is highly prized, holding onto a player like Reaves could be a key factor in the Lakers’ future success. The 25-year-old guard has already shown glimpses of his capability, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
While the Lakers have a few draft picks at their disposal, their current roster may not boast the most attractive trade assets. As the February 8 deadline approaches, the front office will need to navigate smart deals that enhance the team’s competitiveness without sacrificing its promising talent.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both seasoned veterans with a keen eye for talent, would likely recognize the long-term value that Reaves brings to the Lakers. His skill set, work ethic, and potential for growth make him a valuable asset that aligns with the team’s goals beyond the current season.
In the pursuit of securing a higher spot in the West and making a push for the top 6 positions, the Lakers should prioritize retaining Austin Reaves. Building around emerging talents while maintaining competitiveness is a delicate balance, and Reaves represents a piece of the puzzle that the Lakers should hold onto at any cost.
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