Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Lakers Face Tough Call on Austin Reaves' Trade Status

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 2:23 PM ET

The Lakers' recent slide has ignited trade speculation, but moving Austin Reaves might be a classic case of solving one problem by creating another. While analysts highlight the team's need for upgrades, trading their most reliable young playmaker requires the kind of return that rarely materializes mid-season.

Let's be clear about what Reaves brings: 16.7 points per game, consistent clutch performance, and the kind of offensive creativity that's kept the Lakers afloat during their rougher stretches. His ability to punish defenses on closeouts and create in isolation has become increasingly valuable as the season progresses.

Yes, the Lakers desperately need defensive help. And yes, any significant trade would likely require including Reaves to make the math work. But here's the reality – you don't solve defensive issues by trading away one of your few reliable offensive weapons unless the return is astronomical.

The "Reaves must be included" narrative makes sense on paper. He's young, skilled, and on a team-friendly contract – exactly the kind of asset that gets other teams to pick up the phone. But the Lakers have been down this road before, trading away promising young talent only to regret it later.

Unless the Lakers can land a genuine two-way star (and those rarely become available mid-season), keeping Reaves feels like the smarter play. His occasional disappearing acts are frustrating, but they're far less concerning than the prospect of watching him flourish elsewhere while the Lakers wonder why they can't generate offense in crucial moments.

The path forward likely involves finding ways to maximize Reaves' strengths while addressing defensive needs through other means. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: