5. Austin Reaves
This is certainly unfair for Austin Reaves, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. He has taken his game to the next level in recent weeks and increased his averages to 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on solid efficiency with 59.6% True Shooting.
The reason Reaves is on thin ice has nothing to do with his individual performance and everything to do with the Luka Doncic trade.
With Doncic and LeBron James as the primary ball handlers and shot creators on the Lakers, Reaves is relatively superfluous. Yes, he is still a valuable player, especially leading the bench units, or if one of Doncic or James is missing time. However, he is not the best fit next to the two superstars.
Reaves is a defensive liability. He is improved on that end of the floor, but he still gets attacked constantly. With Doncic already creating defensive issues, the Lakers simply can't afford another player with the defensive shortcomings that Reaves has. This is especially true now that the Lakers don't have an elite rim protector.
Doncic and James thrive playing next to players with elite three-and-D abilities. Players who don't need the ball to be effective are needed when you have Doncic and James running the show. A better shooter and defender than Reaves is a better fit for this Lakers team as it is currently constructed.
Plus, Reaves has a ton of trade value, thanks to his age and contract. As the most valuable remaining trade chip on the roster, unless he shows significant defensive improvements in the final stretch of the season, Reaves may be gone in the offseason.