An NBA expert has chimed in on his thoughts about a star on the LA Lakers, who could be traded away from the team.
After losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the LA Lakers were always going to have a busy offseason.
However, things have not completely gone as planned for the Purple and Gold. LeBron James’ future with the team has been a topic of concern since he picked his player option.
Luka Doncic is also eligible for a max-extension soon and if he does not sign the contract, things could get pretty messy for them.
Amid all those talks about James and Doncic, Austin Reaves also carries importance as he proved his brilliance with the team last season, but that does not guarantee he will stay with the Lakers.
Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty ImagesChris Mannix suggests Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks as landing spots for Reaves
Reaves was offered a four-year $90 million deal by the Lakers, but he turned that down as he could earn some more money if he signs an extension next year.
But that would prove to be too costly for the team and could result in him being a trade candidate.
Chris Mannix revealed that Reaves had a lot of talent, but with Doncic also on the roster, the Lakers did not essentially need him.
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Speaking about Reaves, Mannix said: “If I was the Lakers, I would be looking at what they could potentially get for Austin Reaves, not because Austin Reaves is a lesser player.
“There is some overlap in what Austin Reaves does and what Luka Doncic does.”
He further went on to say that the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have the pieces to trade for Reaves.
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“I might look at a team like New York, that has Mikael Bridges, OG Anunoby, three-and-d types of guys.
“The Knicks under Mike Brown, looking to become more diverse offensively, maybe they’d be interested in something like that.
“I’d look at Toronto and some of the guys they have there.
“Three-and-D guys that makes sense for the Lakers with Luka and LeBron than Austin Reaves necessarily does,” Mannix added.
Reaves has elevated his game for the Lakers
Reaves joined the Lakers as an undrafted player, but in his rookie season he showed great potential and became a key part of their roster.
In his sophomore year, the Lakers made it to the playoffs, and that was when Reaves completely showed LA what he was capable of.
Since then, Reaves has continued working on his game, delivering brilliant performances for the Purple and Gold.
The 2024-25 season was his best for the team as he averaged 20 points and stepped up when James and Doncic were absent.
Season Points 2024-2520.22023-2415.92022-2313
Doncic specifically praised Reaves’ game and stated that he has enjoyed playing alongside the 27-year-old.
Indications are that James could be on his way out of LA after this season, which means they will need a player to support Doncic.
Although Reaves is not the star the Lakers are used to, he has all the tools to be a great player for the organization.
They are planning for their future, and if Reaves continues playing well, he could be a part of it and help Doncic in making the Lakers great again.