The Los Angeles Lakers are still expected to be searching the market for the right upgrades that can transform their season. Even though they’re 16-12 and looking well-positioned to be a top-six team in the West, it’s clear that they need more firepower across their roster to be legitimate contenders.
Zach LaVine has been mentioned as a potential Lakers target for years now until chatter died down last season. With LaVine’s improved form, it seems like the Lakers could explore a deal for the Chicago Bulls swingman, but not at the cost of Austin Reaves, according to Joe Cowley in the Chicago Sun-Times.
“There have been whispers about the Lakers for over a year now, but a source said that the pieces that would have to be swapped don’t fit, and Los Angeles remains steadfast that Austin Reaves isn’t going to be included.”
Reaves was heavily rumored to be the centerpiece of a Zach LaVine trade last winter as well until Chris Haynes made it clear that the Lakers don’t want to part with their homegrown talent for LaVine’s massive contract and questionable injury history.
“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.”
Reaves is averaging 17.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, shining as a certified member of the Lakers starting lineup.
He’s currently sidelined with a minor injury but has looked like a fantastic guard for the Lakers who will continue to be protected as he’s on an affordable contract until 2028, something the Lakers need to build under the new cap regulations.
LaVine is averaging a more pronounced 21.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, but his $43 million deal is still hard for the Lakers to match in a trade. It wouldn’t just include Reaves, it would likely include D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and more to just make the salaries line up to facilitate a LaVine acquisition.
The odds of it happening are slim to none in my opinion, as the Lakers know better to saddle themselves with LaVine’s contract, which would make them a guaranteed second-apron team until LeBron James and Anthony Davis are on the roster.
The team’s priority also should be to add depth instead of one big-name player, as the team needs to add a new guard, a 3-and-D threat, and a big man more than they need one borderline All-Star talent.
They don’t have the assets to take a risk on a player like LaVine or Brandon Ingram and instead should look to multi-player deals to swap out their misfiring rotation in deals with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers. They need to be intelligent about how they proceed, so it’s unsurprising that they’re not interested in including Reaves for LaVine.
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