The Los Angeles Lakers don’t really have a lot of options when it comes to making moves this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make some big changes this summer. After a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, they have a lot of work to do.
The big priority is re-signing Luka Doncic, likely to a-term extension with the Lakers this summer.
But one of the biggest concerns they have is at the center position. Their lack of centers proved to be their Achilles’ heel in the playoffs.
How will the Lakers get that done? Well, their lack of assets means they might have to part ways with Austin Reaves.
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times spoke about the Lakers’ future this summer. He admitted that the Lakers are looking to land another center.
However, the issue they face is their lack of assets, both in terms of draft picks and valuable players. This could force them to consider trading Austin Reaves.
Even though they won’t give up Reaves unless they can land a star level center in a trade package built around him.
“According to rival scouts and executives, the Lakers’ best assets (minus Reaves) are their 2031 first-round pick, second-year wing Dalton Knecht, and a bunch of expiring contracts.”
“Some combination of them would be a must in any deal the team would make for a center. The free-agency options, like the in-season trade options, are considered to be pretty lean.”
Lakers fans would balk at the prospect of trading Austin Reaves. The undrafted guard has established himself as the third option on the team.
But at this point, it might be the most prudent option for them. Reaves is a free agent in 2026. And given the contract he signed last time, he is due for a massive pay rise.
The best contract the Lakers can offer Reaves is worth $89.4 million. He can make substantially more money with another team.
So if the Lakers are going to lose Reaves to a bigger contract, they should try cashing in early and get the best possible deal in return.
