Lakers Reportedly Plan Austin Reaves Trade Following Luka Doncic Acquisition

The Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to maximize their championship potential with Luka Doncic now a key player, are considering trading Austin Reaves despite his rising stardom and fan popularity. Experts like Robert Horry, a seven-time NBA champion, advise the Lakers to pursue a sign-and-trade for Reaves, citing the overlap in playing style between Doncic and Reaves as a potential hindrance to team balance and effectiveness. Horry emphasizes the importance of diverse skill sets on championship teams, contrasting successful trios like Miami's LeBron-Wade-Bosh with less balanced lineups such as the Phoenix Suns' Durant-Booker-Beal. The Lakers' strategic need for improved size and defense, particularly after playoff shortcomings, further supports the rationale to trade Reaves while his market value is high. Although Reaves is expected to command a significant salary that could strain the Lakers' payroll, trading him could yield valuable assets to strengthen the roster's defensive capabilities. Ultimately, the Lakers' front office appears focused on preserving long-term flexibility and creating a complementary roster around Doncic to boost their title chances this season.