Lakers not interested in adding Austin Reaves to potential trade packages
The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be interested in Zach LaVine. However, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that Austin Reaves is unlikely to be included in any potential deal. Reaves is held in high regard by the coaching staff and front office.
"The Lakers aren’t interested in including Reaves in a potential LaVine deal despite his recent move to the bench, according to multiple team sources," Buha reported. "...The most likely framework of a LaVine deal would center around Russell, who waived his implied no-trade clause over the offseason. It’d also need to feature Hachimura or Vincent as additional matching salary, another player and either the team’s 2029 or 2030 first-round pick – potentially with protections."
Reaves was recently moved to the Lakers bench. Head coach Darvin Ham believes the third-year wing can provide balance with the second unit. Reaves' ability to initiate the offense, operate as the primary ball-handler and take over games down the stretch makes him the ideal sixth man. Following Ham's rotation change, the Lakers went on a three-game win streak. However, they lost to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
LaVine, 28, would give the Lakers another All-Star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He is entering the prime of his career. Rob Pelinka has amassed young talent over the past 18 months, and it was clear he was building toward another big trade. LaVine averages 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for his career. He's shooting 46.3% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.
Buha's note about potentially trading D'Angelo Russell makes sense. Otherwise, LaVine's addition would create issues surrounding touches. We saw how that played out with Russell Westbrook.
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly close to entering a rebuild. The Lakers have the assets it would take to acquire LaVine.
However, keeping Reaves on the roster is one of the smartest things the front office could do. He's become a heartbeat for the locker room and is clearly an emotional leader on the floor. Those are important traits that can't be taught. Not bad for someone who entered the league as an undrafted rookie.
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