The Los Angeles Lakers are apparently not including shooting guard Austin Reaves in the open market because they have faith in the 25-year-old who is posting 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 35.5% from three this season. Reaves is a capable scorer, shooter, and playmaker and we should start seeing an uptick in his play in the coming seasons. However, every player has a price, and if the Lakers can bring in an All-Star player, Reaves could be heading out of Los Angeles.
There are five trades the Lakers would accept if it means sending Reaves out of town, even if it might include resources such as the valuable 2029 first-round pick and other players. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both All-Stars this season and they need help to overcome their 9th seed right now and start boosting their record well over .500 (27-25). Starting with Dejounte Murray, here are the five best trades for the Lakers involving Austin Reaves right now.
Dejounte Murray
2023-24 Statistics: 21.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The first deal involves Dejounte Murray, an elite two-way guard who is having a strong season for the Atlanta Hawks despite being involved in trade rumors consistently.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick
Acquiring Dejounte Murray presents a pragmatic and potentially impactful opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray’s impressive production during the 2023-24 season underscores his versatility, averaging 21.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, along with a commendable 37.0% shooting from three-point range. Notably, his development since his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs has been significant, enhancing his value as a player.
Examining fit, Murray’s skill set appears seamlessly aligned with those of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His adept playmaking could alleviate ball-handling responsibilities from James, allowing him to focus on scoring and facilitating offense. Furthermore, Murray’s defensive prowess would complement Davis’s capabilities, bolstering the Lakers’ defensive efforts. It’s noteworthy that Murray led the NBA in steals during the 2021-22 season (2.0 SPG) and was recognized with an All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2017-18.
Considering a potential trade scenario involving Austin Reaves and the 2029 First-Round Pick, supplemented by any requisite additions, appears reasonable. Previous reports have indicated the Lakers’ interest in Murray, and executing such a trade could solidify a formidable trio in Los Angeles, thereby furnishing the team with a versatile and dynamic backcourt presence.
DeMar DeRozan
2023-24 Statistics: 22.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Another major deal for the Lakers involves going all-in this season by trading for 34-year-old DeMar DeRozan who is scoring the ball well and could be the missing piece for a Big Three.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, 2029 First-Round Pick
Although adding DeMar DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers would unquestionably boost their offensive potency, current circumstances significantly diminish the likelihood of such a trade. The Chicago Bulls have vehemently expressed their commitment to retaining DeRozan, viewing him as a linchpin of their roster, even surpassing Zach LaVine in importance.
DeRozan’s impressive performance throughout the 2023-24 season, averaging 22.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, underscores his enduring effectiveness as both a scorer and playmaker. His adeptness in isolation, coupled with a commendable shooting efficiency of 46.5% from the field and 84.6% from the stripe, undoubtedly presents an exciting offensive proposition for the Lakers, positioning him as a formidable third option behind James and Davis.
The Lakers wanted to acquire DeRozan in the past and it could be their time to get the deal over the line. Even if DeRozan is close to 35 years old, he can still average at least 20 points per game as a third option and has the athleticism and experience to make the difference in the playoffs with the second half of the season on the way very soon.
Zach LaVine
2023-24 Statistics: 19.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Another deal that could be on the table involves Zach LaVine, a player who will be a perfect member of a Big Three next season as he is currently shut down for the season due to foot surgery.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, 2029 First-Round Pick
Acquiring Zach LaVine could be a realistic and impactful move for the Los Angeles Lakers, although it would require a waiting game until next season because the shooting guard is apparently out for the season. Could he become available for the playoffs if he is traded? Perhaps. LaVine’s 2023-24 season statistics, though slightly down, still showcase his scoring ability, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on only 34.9% from three. This is a far cry from last season’s averages of 24.8 points on 37.5% from three.
In terms of fit, LaVine’s scoring prowess provides the Lakers with an additional offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his shooting would alleviate pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine’s versatility in scoring, combined with his athleticism, could significantly enhance the Lakers’ offensive capabilities on the break and in the half-court. The Lakers rank 14th in offense and their only hope to become a contender is to take their offense into the top ten.
A proposed trade package involving Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and a 2029 First-Round Pick appears reasonable, especially if the Bulls are considering a roster overhaul. LaVine’s potential move to the Lakers could form a dynamic Big Three, bringing together three high-caliber scorers with different skill sets that work together. LaVine is also 28 years old with two All-Star Teams to his name so he can be a long-term partner for Davis once James decides to hang it up.
Jerami Grant
2023-24 Statistics: 21.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jerami Grant has been one of the most consistent players in the NBA for the past few seasons as he gets it done on both ends of the court. The Lakers could make a deal for the 29-year-old swingman this season.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura
In a trade scenario that seems realistic considering Portland’s desire to rebuild, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to solidify a decent Big Three by acquiring Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. The proposed trade involves sending Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to the Trail Blazers and the allure of adding a versatile two-way wing player like Jerami Grant could significantly transform the Lakers.
Grant’s skill set as an experienced two-way player brings a valuable combination of offensive and defensive capabilities. His ability to spot up for threes, take players off the dribble, and defend multiple positions would address specific needs for the Lakers. With the Lakers ranking 18th in offense and 16th in defense, Grant’s presence could provide a substantial boost on both ends of the court.
The veteran swingman is posting 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 40.3% from three. Grant would actually be a perfect system player for the Lakers and they can also hold onto D’Angelo Russell who is having an improved season offensively and a lineup featuring him, James, Davis, and Grant could be very difficult to handle on both ends of the court.
Bojan Bogdanovic
2023-24 Statistics: 20.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
With so much drama surrounding the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, it might be time for veteran Bojan Bogdanovic to save himself and compete for a championship alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Austin Reaves, Jalen Hood-Schifino
With the Detroit Pistons struggling this season with a ridiculous 27-game losing streak, it might be time for them to start trading some players and making room for youngsters to come into their own. One player that sticks out is Bojan Bogdanovic, the 34-year-old forward who is posting 20.2 points per game on 41.5% from three. No doubt, despite his age, Bogdanovic would be an excellent pickup for the Lakers.
Known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, he would bring a valuable perimeter threat to the Lakers. His shooting prowess could help space the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing additional offensive options and preventing opposing defenses from collapsing on the Lakers’ stars. Bogdanovic’s ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot could be a valuable asset in various offensive sets.
Not to mention, the 6’7” forward is also strong enough to be a defensive enforcer inside the paint and also handle forwards on the wing as well. The Lakers might be able to be clever with their deal for the veteran swingman by only including Austin Reaves and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino while moving LeBron James to point guard and re-introducing Austin Reaves as a shooting guard. If the Lakers cannot trade for one of the aforementioned four All-Stars, acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic could be the final target to push the team into a stronger position in the West.
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