Lakers Retain Austin Reaves Despite Trade Rumors After Playoff Exit

Following their first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers face questions regarding roster changes, particularly around Austin Reaves. Despite trade rumors and proposals suggesting the Lakers could deal Reaves for a defensive-minded center to better complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic, multiple reputable insiders, including Jovan Buha, report the team is unlikely to move Reaves this offseason. Reaves had a strong regular season with career-high averages but struggled in the playoffs, partly due to injury. The Lakers reportedly remain committed to building around their core trio of James, Doncic, and Reaves, prioritizing improvements in other roster areas instead of trading Reaves. Management is expected to target frontcourt upgrades while keeping Reaves as a key contributor. This strategy reflects the team's focus on continuity and maximizing their current star lineup.