3 Lakers on the Trade Block This Offseason

Austin Reaves

Even though there is a perception that Austin Reaves failed in his role as a third banana next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the 25-year-old had a solid 2023-24 campaign. He played every single game and averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on solid 48.6 shooting from the field.

Then why is he on the trade block?

It is precisely because he had a good season that he is on the block. He is the best trade asset the Lakers have. If Los Angeles is going to trade for a star, Reaves almost certainly has to be part of the package.

Reaves has one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league. He is under team control for two more years with an average annual salary of $13.4 million. You simply can't get a shooting guard before his prime that has the ballhandling, scoring, and shooting ability that Reaves has for that price tag.

Therefore, even though the Lakers have so far shied away from trading away Reaves, he is their best hope to land a Donovan Mitchell or a Trae Young.