Austin Reaves gets major update on offseason status with Lakers, per report
Context:
Austin Reaves remains a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers as speculations about his potential trade swirl around the offseason. Despite rumors, Jovan Buha of The Athletic indicates that the Lakers are unlikely to trade Reaves, who demonstrated his value with an impressive performance during the regular season. He showed an ability to create shots and excel in crucial moments, justifying his four-year, $54 million contract. However, Reaves' playoff performance saw a decline, leading to speculation about his role in potential trade deals for a low-post threat. The Lakers are expected to pursue offseason trades for a forward or center without including Reaves, maintaining his position on the team as they navigate changes and future strategies.
Dive Deeper:
Austin Reaves has been a subject of trade rumors since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, yet recent reports suggest the Lakers are unlikely to trade him this offseason. Jovan Buha of The Athletic affirmed that the current intel points toward Reaves staying with the Lakers despite ongoing trade speculation.
Reaves signed a lucrative four-year, $54 million contract in 2023 and proved his worth during the regular season by averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was notable, with a 46.0% field goal percentage and 37.7% accuracy from three-point range.
In the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Reaves' performance dipped, averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, with shooting percentages dropping to 41.1% from the field and 31.9% from beyond the arc.
The Lakers' strategy for the offseason likely involves trading for a forward or center to strengthen their roster, but they seem intent on keeping Reaves as part of their core team. His potential as a trade asset is being weighed against his demonstrated capabilities and future contributions to the team.
NBA analysts are also expected to discuss significant topics surrounding the Lakers, including Luka Doncic's potential move to the team and LeBron James' retirement considerations. These discussions add to the dynamic offseason narrative involving the Lakers and their strategic decisions.
NBA analysts will thoroughly discuss Luka Doncic’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James’ looming retirement decision this summer.
Additionally, considering Austin Reaves has been involved in trade rumors since the start of the 2024-25 season, the breakout star guard will undoubtedly appear in headlines in free agency.
Reaves recently received an update on his status with the Lakers entering the offseason.
"I don't think the Lakers will (trade Reaves)," The Athletic’s Jovan Buha said after Los Angeles’ season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. "As of my current intel, I don't think that's going to happen."
During the regular season, Reaves showed why he deserved the four-year, $54 million contract he signed in 2023.
The gritty 6-foot-5 guard didn’t disappoint when tasked with creating shots off the dribble, delivering in crunch time, and embracing a larger offensive role when the Lakers were short-handed.
Reaves, who notched 30+ points on several occasions, averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per contest, shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point land.
Unfortunately, the Oklahoma product wasn’t as dynamic in the playoffs, averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 41.1% from the field and 31.9% from downtown in the Lakers’ first-round series against the Timberwolves.
Many have speculated that Reaves will be a trade chip this summer in a potential deal for an exceptional low-post threat.
However, judging by Buha’s report, the Lakers will likely attempt to complete an offseason trade for a forward or center without including Reaves.
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