The Los Angeles Lakers would love to add Zach LaVine to their squad to add the scoring punch they’ve needed all season. However, the Bulls will not make it an easy deal for the Lakers, with Chris Haynes revealing that the Bulls will want Reaves in any possible deal with the Lakers and that the Lakers don’t want to lose him.
“I think any deal involving the Lakers will have to include Austin Reaves. What I am told is that the Lakers are not interested at all in moving Austin Reaves.”
Report via @ChrisBHaynes: pic.twitter.com/813Ohb7SlH
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 18, 2023
Austin Reaves is averaging 15.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds this season, overcoming a slow start after being moved to the bench. Off late, he has been the Lakers’ third option, helping LeBron James and Anthony Davis by picking up the scoring. With D’Angelo Russell struggling recently, the Lakers have relied on Reaves to be a consistent bucket.
LaVine was averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists before being ruled out due to injury 18 games into the season. While LaVine could play for the Bulls, it’s clear he will be held out until the team has clarity on his future. An official trade request has been made, so the ball is in the Bulls court. LaVine reportedly has a wide array of teams he’ll be willing to go to, with the Kings and 76ers among other suitors.
It’s hard to say whether Reaves can be the piece that causes a deal to fall apart. The Lakers rate him highly and would want to keep him on the roster in any possible trade, but it may be hard to resist temptation when it comes to a two-time All-Star like LaVine.
Are The Lakers Better Off Keeping Austin Reaves?
There is little doubt that Zach LaVine is a superior player to Austin Reaves. His production over the last six years of his career is a testament to that, with Reaves having periods of inconsistency and a much lower-scoring average. However, Reaves has abilities that make him a very useful rotational piece that can fit many requirements.
Neither player is a high-level defender, with LaVine being the better scorer. Reaves excels in a connective role for the star players on the Lakers, now having earned the trust to have a green light on shots. LaVine likely can convert these shots at a higher clip and be a greater threat as an isolation score, but Reaves’ link-up play, high motor, and familiarity with the Lakers system will be sorely missed.
The Lakers need to add a piece along with Reaves just to make the salaries match, guaranteeing one of Rui Hachimura or D’Angelo Russell would also be on their way out. Giving up all of that in a LaVine trade could be extremely risky for a team that has already struggled with injuries and would need to give away more of their depth.
There is room for a guard to be moved, so if the Lakers could discuss terms around a trade that sends D’Lo and Hachimura instead of Reaves, they’d be interested. Personally speaking, there are better prospects that are cheaper who the Lakers should look at.
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