Austin Reaves is in a challenging spot this offseason.

The 6-foot-5 breakout star was unbelievable with the Lakers during the regular season, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point land. 

However, Reaves’ 16.2 points and 3.6 assists per contest in the postseason on less impressive shooting splits (41.1% from the field and 31.9% from deep) raise concerns about his ability to deliver on the big stage alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Stano recently wrote about the possibility of the Lakers moving on from Reaves this summer and promoting a struggling 29-year-old guard.

“Perhaps the Lakers just decide to replace Reaves internally,” Stano wrote Sunday. 

“If they trade Reaves and get a couple of ancillary pieces in return, Vincent could step into his role. It's more likely that (Gabe) Vincent is traded for a bigger piece, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that they keep him heading into next year.”

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Vincent hasn’t been a plus performer in Los Angeles. During the 2023 free agency period, signing the Santa Barbara product appeared to be a worthwhile move for the Lakers. 

Vincent poured in 12.7 points per game on 40.2% shooting from the field and 37.8% with the Heat in the playoffs during their 2022-23 run to the NBA finals. 

Unfortunately, the six-year contributor has been difficult to watch in a Los Angeles uniform. Vincent’s tentative offensive approach has yielded a disappointing showing with the Lakers. 

Vincent averaged 6.4 points per contest while boasting a 40.0% field goal shooting percentage and 35.3% three-point shooting percentage. 

As Stano noted, the Lakers could include Vincent in a summer deal for a franchise-altering asset, but nothing is set in stone at this point.

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