The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that trading guard Austin Reaves is not in their immediate plans, according to NBA insider Jovan Buha. For the Lakers to even consider moving Reaves, they would reportedly require a clear-cut All-Star, someone surpassing the caliber of players like Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine, or multiple rotation upgrades, as per sources close to the team.
"Reaves isn’t technically untouchable, but he’s close. The Lakers value him highly and have no interest in trading him, according to team and league sources. He’s on a cost-controlled, team-friendly deal for at least two more seasons."
"For the Lakers to consider moving Reaves, they’d need to receive either a clear-cut All-Star — someone better than Murray or LaVine, for example — or multiple rotation upgrades, according to those sources."
With no such options readily available in the market, the Lakers seem inclined to retain Reaves and build on his contributions. Despite Reaves not being technically labeled as untouchable, the Lakers highly value him and are uninterested in parting ways, especially considering his cost-controlled, team-friendly contract that extends for at least two more seasons.
Reaves, initially expected to be a sought-after free agent in the last offseason, eventually re-signed with the Lakers on a favorable four-year, $54 million deal. This contract has heightened his appeal, making him a coveted asset leading up to the trade deadline. Reports suggest that the Lakers engaged in talks with the Atlanta Hawks regarding a potential trade for Dejounte Murray. However, the reluctance to include Reaves in any deal has reportedly slowed down negotiations.
Reaves is currently enjoying a career year, showcasing his versatility by averaging 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His shooting efficiency, both from the field and beyond the arc, adds to his value, making him a significant contributor alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
While not entirely ruling out the possibility of including Reaves in a trade package for a star player, the Lakers' clear stance indicates their intent to keep the young guard, leveraging his skill set and favorable contract to enhance their roster for the seasons ahead. The recent trade eligibility of Reaves, as of January 15, adds a layer of complexity and possibilities to the ongoing trade discussions in the NBA landscape.
The Lakers Desperately Need Shooting
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently grappling with a significant deficiency in their three-point shooting, a crucial aspect of modern NBA play. Ranking 28th in the league in three-point attempts per game and 19th in three-point shooting percentage at 35.9%, the Lakers are facing an evident struggle from beyond the arc. This shortfall in shooting prowess has become more conspicuous as the team finds themselves at the bottom of the league in three-point makes per game.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the apparent lack of pursuit of notable shooters in the trade market. Despite the pressing need for improved shooting, the Lakers haven't been linked to any established sharpshooters in recent discussions.
Even in potential trade talks involving players like Dejounte Murray, who doesn't boast a reputation for exceptional three-point shooting, and Zach LaVine, where Lakers' interest seems to have dwindled, the focus on acquiring proficient shooters remains elusive.
The Lakers, therefore, find themselves in a perplexing situation where the urgency for better shooting is evident, but the team's actions or lack thereof in the market suggest a different narrative. The need for reliable shooters, even if not superstars or stars, is crucial for the Lakers to enhance their offensive capabilities. The addition of role players, particularly 3-and-D specialists, could significantly bolster the team's chances, providing spacing and scoring options around their star players.
The uncertainty surrounding the Lakers' approach raises questions about the team's strategy. Whether General Manager Rob Pelinka is deliberately keeping potential moves under wraps, preparing to unveil surprises, or if the Lakers are genuinely not prioritizing the acquisition of shooters, remains to be seen. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers' stance on addressing their shooting woes will undoubtedly be a focal point of speculation and analysis in the NBA landscape.
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