Lakers Offseason Plan For Austin Reaves Revealed

Even though the NBA Playoffs are still ongoing, the offseason is in full swing for the remaining 28 teams. The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off a disappointing end to their season that saw them lose to the Nuggets in the first round, are trying to bolster their roster to make a deep postseason run next year.

With that objective in mind, they are still looking for their next head coach. They also have to make a decision on a few key players. Obviously, retaining LeBron James is the ultimate priority but what the rest of the roster looks like around James and Davis will be equally important for the Lakers' goals for the immediate future.

One of the most critical players in that regard is Austin Reaves. The 26-year-old combo guard is on a very team-friendly deal for the next two seasons, paying him an average of $13.4 million per year. This makes him the ideal trade chip for the Lakers if they want to chase a third star on the trade market.

However, it looks like the Lakers want to keep Reaves. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles is adamant in their unwillingness to include him in trade talks.

"The Lakers would also prefer to keep Austin Reaves, according to team and league sources. They refrained from including him in trade talks for Murray at the 2024 trade deadline and Kyrie Irving at the 2023 trade deadline. Reaves’ playoff performances in 2023 and 2024 have affirmed his fit around James and Davis."

- Jovan Buha, The Athletic

Reaves was rumored to be in trade talks during the season but nothing materialized. It was reported that the Lakers weren't interested in giving him up for Dejounte Murray or Kyrie Irving, and that still seems to be the official team stance.

The 6'5 guard has played in every game for the Lakers in the 2023-24 season. He wasn't able to have the huge breakout season some fans were hoping for but he is still a great third option and a solid playmaker on the offensive end.

The Lakers are likely better off attaching the likes of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt with the three first-round picks that they can trade this summer. That way, they can get multiple quality starters to fit next to their James-Davis-Reaves trio.

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