The Los Angeles Lakers are playing hardball when it comes to their rising star, Austin Reaves. The undrafted free agent has become a fan favorite, but the Lakers won’t part ways with him easily. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the team’s stance is clear: If they’re going to trade Reaves, it better be for a bonafide All-Star.
According to a report by NBA insider Jovan Buha on Twitter, the Lakers are hesitant to trade Austin Reaves, but there’s one caveat: they’d only consider a deal that lands them a “bona fide All-Star.”
REPORT: The Lakers would only consider trading Austin Reaves for a ‘bonafide All-Star’, per @jovanbuha.
“I've heard the Lakers do not want to trade Austin Reaves. They love Austin Reaves. But, if there was a scenario in which they would consider trading him, it would have to be… pic.twitter.com/oGPzJkxX21
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 14, 2024
Austin Reaves’ Rise to Prominence: From Undrafted to Lakers’ Spark Plug
Undrafted in 2021, Austin Reaves quickly carved out a niche on the Lakers roster with his hustle, shooting prowess, and intelligent playmaking. This past season, he blossomed into a key contributor, averaging nearly 16 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. His emergence provided a much-needed spark for a Lakers team struggling with injuries and inconsistency.
Lakers Prioritize Winning Now: All-Star Caliber Return Only for Reaves
Despite Reaves’ impressive development, the Lakers remain focused on championship aspirations. Buha’s report suggests they value Austin Reaves highly, but their ultimate goal is to win now. They’d only be willing to part with him if a bonafide All-Star talent becomes available. This high asking price reflects the Lakers’ belief in Reaves’ potential and their urgency to compete at the highest level.
The Delicate Balance: Austin Reaves vs. Championship Window
The dilemma for the Lakers is clear: how to balance the development of a promising young player with the need to win immediately. Austin Reaves has the potential to be a future cornerstone for the franchise. However, acquiring an established All-Star could significantly improve their chances of contending for a title in LeBron James’ remaining prime years.
If a bonafide All-Star becomes available on the trade market, several names could be on the Lakers’ radar. Depending on the specific player and the assets required to acquire them, potential trade partners could include teams looking to rebuild or seeking a different skillset in their star player.
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