JJ Redick Offers Optimistic Timeline as Lakers Guard Nears Return

Redick told the media that the Lakers guard is progressing and could return to the lineup on Wednesday.

“We’re hoping he’s back Wednesday, but he’s still day to day,” the coach said.

LA will travel back to California after their bout against the 76ers. The team will host the San Antonio Spurs at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday as part of a one-game homestand. After that, they’re back on the road for a three-game trip.

Ramona Shelburne thinks it’s a no-brainer for the Lakers to trade Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Things have started to become shaky between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. There have been reports that Antetokounmpo’s representatives have begun discussing the star forward’s future in Milwaukee. The Bucks’ 10-15 record isn’t appealing, especially to the Greek Freak, who wants to contend for the NBA championship.

With the reports of Antetokounmpo’s future at stake, NBA insider Ramona Shelburne said that a potential trade with the Lakers is a no-brainer. On Friday’s episode of ESPN LA’s “Join The Debate!”, Shelburne raised the idea of trading away Austin Reaves. According to the insider, Antetokounmpo’s play style fits better compared to Reaves’.

“I think I would do this, I don’t think it’s too much of a choice. Can you think of a better complement to Luka?” Shelburne said. “He’d be a lob threat, Luka could find him, he’d get easy baskets. Defensively, he’d be a backstop for Luka; it’s kind of perfect. Yes, don’t think too hard.”

Reaves has emerged as one of the best players for LA, averaging 29.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists through 19 games. The 6-foot-5 guard’s improvement this season could be used as trade leverage. That is, if the Lakers want to pursue the Bucks star.