Lakers Guard Emerges as Target for Struggling Team in the West

Utah is having a difficult season, sitting at 14th in the West with a 20-45 record. Adding Reaves would be a crucial move in their rebuild. The Jazz are one of the few teams projected to have the room to offer the guard a massive contract.

However, they might have to go the extra mile to secure the deal, given the Lakers GM has already declined about 20 offers for Reaves.

That said, discussion around the league has him declining his $14.9 million player option to test unrestricted free agency. To keep him, the Lakers might have to shell out a huge bag. 

With Luka Doncic already on the roster, the Lakers’ front office must decide if they want to commit nearly half of their cap to a single backcourt duo. Los Angeles is fighting to avoid the play-in tournament, holding the 5th seed (39-25). 

Utah is in tanking territory, which makes Reaves a potential foundational piece alongside Lauri Markkanen for their future.

Should Lakers Reconsider Herbert Jones This Summer?

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent years searching for a reliable two-way wing who can defend elite scorers on the perimeter. With offensive production already coming from stars like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, the missing piece in Los Angeles has long been a defensive stopper.

Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans is one potential option that the Lakers could revisit this offseason. The Pelicans reportedly received interest from the Lakers for both Jones and Trey Murphy III before the trade deadline but chose to keep their defensive wings. However, Jones’ difficult offensive season could potentially change that stance.

Jones is posting career-low shooting numbers across most areas of the floor, though injuries and his heavy defensive workload may be factors. In New Orleans, he has the task of guarding the opponent’s best player while also helping as a rim protector and rebounder.

Just two seasons ago, Jones finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive First Team honors while shooting 40% from three. If he can find that form again, he is one of the league’s most valuable defensive wings. With Jones earning about $22.5 million annually, the Lakers could view him as a buy-low opportunity