Turn off the trade simulators and stop working on those jersey swaps.
Laker fans can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to Austin Reaves’ standing within the organization. After a subpar postseason and speculation over his future, a new report from the LA Times says the 26-year-old guard is safe—though not completely.
Lakers Unlikely to Move On From Beloved Young Star, Per Insider
Dan Woike: Reaves is Not “Untradeable”
A Thursday newsletter by Lakers beat writer Dan Woike put the rising rumors to rest: the Lakers still believe in Reaves and are unlikely to trade the undrafted phenom.
“One, the Lakers and the most important people in the organization all love Reaves and his journey from undrafted free agent to a talent that people think is All-Star caliber. And, at just $14 million next season, he’ll be one of the most productive players in the league per dollar minus some superstars on the very early stages of their rookie deals.”
“Two, he’s not viewed as ‘untradeable’ because almost no one in the NBA is untradeable. But if the Lakers are going to trade him for a center, they’re going to want one that is foundationally important — a build-around type and not a fill-in toward the obvious need they have at center (and will need to address in other ways).
If one of the best centers in the NBA were available, the conversations might be different, but at least now, during the first part of the offseason, that just isn’t the case.”
The rumors came not long after Reaves posted averages of 16.2 points (.411/.319/.857 splits), 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in LA’s first-round loss to the Timberwolves. On May 11, Woike’s colleague, Times columnist Bill Plaschke, admitted a “painful truth” that the Lakers should trade Reaves. Adding fuel to the fire, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons even predicted LA would deal him.
“When Reaves gets traded this summer — and he WILL get traded – the stuff they [Lakers] get back for him is gonna make it seem worse that they [Mavericks] didn’t get him in the trade,” Simmons said.
Lakers Cannot Afford Another Mistake with Reaves
In a crucial offseason for the Lakers (a phrase repeated ad nauseam but especially relevant now), they must do everything possible to ensure Reaves stays in the purple and gold. As Woike mentioned, he’s still on a team-friendly contract and becomes eligible for a four-year, $89.2 million extension later this summer—an absolute steal of a deal, just like he was when they first signed him.
Reaves is coming off the best season of his career (20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.8 APG on 61% TS), a time in which he showcased excellent adaptability throughout the season. He became a primary ball handler once D’Angelo Russell was traded. And once the Lakers got Luka Doncic, Reaves steadied the offense with his scoring and playmaking. On the cusp of his prime at 26, he is the perfect complement for LeBron James and Doncic and the ideal bridge between the present and future.
The front office has already learned what happens when you give up on young talent. They traded Ivica Zubac to their crosstown rival in 2019. He had the best season of his career for the Clippers and just completed a double-double playoff run (17 PPG, 10 RPG). They let Alex Caruso walk in free agency two years later. He earned two All-Defensive Team selections with the Bulls and now comes off the bench for the league-leading Thunder.
Simply put, it’s imperative Reaves sticks around for a while. One bad series should not define him, and he has shown his value to the franchise time and again. The best way the Lakers can reward Reaves’ loyalty is by putting pen to paper on an extension, and seeing that he grows into the All-Star (and hopefully NBA champion) they know he can be.
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