The Los Angeles Lakers will have a number of questions to address this offseason. Not only are they searching for a new head coach, but LeBron James may become a free agent if he opts out of his contract. The Lakers are reportedly expected to be aggressive this offseason, but will the team consider trading Austin Reaves?
LeBron and Anthony Davis are the best players on the Lakers. LA wants to build around them. Of course, finding a way to re-sign LeBron will be of the utmost importance if he does opt out of his deal. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers feel that Reaves is a good fit on the James and Davis-led roster. As a result, they would “prefer” not to include Reaves in any trades.
Reaves has been mentioned in trade rumors in the past. Yet, a deal has not come to fruition. The Lakers seem to be impressed with Reaves' performance as a key role player alongside the team's superstars.
If LA wants to trade for a star or two, which is something that has been hinted at, it will be interesting to see if Los Angeles changes its mind on Reaves. Teams would likely be interested in acquiring the 26-year-old. He's capable of either performing at a high level off the bench or impacting the game as a starting guard.
Reaves earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year consideration during the 2022-23 season. In 2023-24, Reaves started 57 of the 82 games he played in. The Lakers guard averaged 15.9 points per game on 48.6 percent field goal and 36.7 percent three-point shooting. He added 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per outing.
Austin Reaves' value amid Lakers trade stance
![Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.](https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-defends-Austin-Reaves.jpg)
Reaves may not be a star, but he's a good player. There is a reason why the Lakers value him so much. Every championship-caliber team is led by stars, but they also feature impactful role players. Depth is of the utmost importance when it comes to developing a contending team in the NBA.
The Lakers will continue to evaluate the roster moving forward. LeBron James' final decision will obviously play a major role in their offseason strategy as well. If LeBron were to leave, one has to wonder if the Lakers would enter a rebuild. If James stays, though, then Los Angeles will do everything it can to win.
As mentioned earlier, Reaves played in all 82 games. Durability is becoming increasingly more valuable as injuries unfortunately keep players out far too often. Reaves previously addressed his mindset and ability to stay on the floor, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“I've got everything I can give,” Reaves said in April. “That's what I'm going to do every night. I'm going to go out there and give everything I've got until after our last game, and then I can relax and chill. I've played every game this year. I had the summer last year and the extended run in the playoffs to the Western Conference Finals, but I feel good. This is when you dream of playing, in these types of games into the playoffs. I'm going to go give everything I've got.”
Unless the Lakers receive an offer that is simply too enticing to pass on, LA fans can expect to see Austin Reaves back with the team during the 2024-25 season.