It was reported earlier this week that the Los Angeles Lakers are not the destination of choice for De’Aaron Fox. And according to Jake Fischer of the Stein Line, the reason is about as obvious as fans expected.
It isn’t because they don’t think highly of the player. Rather, it is because De’Aaron Fox‘s agent is Rich Paul, who is very familiar with the Lakers due to his relationship with LeBron James. He knows that the Lakers will not give up Austin Reaves in any trade package, and that is the player the Sacramento Kings really want.
“Among the reasons why the Lakers are not Fox’s preferred destination: Klutch has direct knowledge of many Lakers dealings thanks to its representation of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Which means Klutch knows, as sources tell The Stein Line, that the Lakers have zero intention of parting with Sacramento’s presumed top target in any Fox discussions: Austin Reaves.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have been very insistent that Austin Reaves is unavailable in any trade they make. Reaves joined the Lakers in 2021 as an undrafted rookie. He immediately established himself as a key player, even earning the trust of LeBron James very quickly, something very few players in the NBA have been able to do in their careers.
Reaves has been playing really well this season, with many considering him the third-best player on the Lakers behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Not many expected him to take such a massive leap in performance this season, but Rob Pelinka eerily predicted his rise this season. Perhaps this is why the Lakers refused to include Reaves in any potential trade for Zach LaVine earlier this season.
Austin Reaves Is The Future For The Lakers
Austin Reaves is a player the Lakers want on their team for years to come. Despite not being a drafted player, Reaves has become one of the most important players on the entire team.
The fact that he is trusted by JJ Redick to carry the ball up the court along with LeBron James is truly impressive, especially considering he has only been playing in the NBA for four seasons now.
Redick recently had praise for Austin Reaves but also criticized some of his mistakes. The young Lakers guard admitted that with his increased role, he is bound to make some mistakes, but he attributed it to a learning experience that comes with the added responsibility to the team.
Reaves has played very well this season, averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks while shooting 44.6% from the field, 36.6% from three-point line, and 83.4% from the free-throw line. This has been a sensational year for the young guard, who has become such a crucial star for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Perhaps he will continue to rise and maybe even earn an All-Star nomination in the years to come, as he continues to get better.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
