The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the biggest fleeces of all time when they traded for Luka Doncic. While that deal involving Anthony Davis was a must-do for the Lakers, it actually left the team with a somewhat questionable fit on the roster. Austin Reaves broke out in a big way this season, but he has a lot of similarities to Doncic
The Lakers need more defense and center depth, and Doncic and LeBron James would still be able to carry the load for ball-handling duties and scoring production even without Reaves on the roster
Because of that, some have suggested trading Reaves this upcoming offseason. The Lakers are unlikely to sell Reaves off unless they’d land a starting center. Luckily, the Portland Trail Blazers have a logjam at the center position. So what would a Reaves-to-Portland deal look like?
The Lakers are desperate for a center, and that could be enough incentive for them to trade Reaves. The team was rocking with Jaxson Hayes, a long-time bench player, and forwards such as Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and James at the five spot in the postseason.
It clearly didn’t work, as JJ Redick’s squad lost in the first round to a lower-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves team.
Not only does the team need a center because they had so little size for standard big-man roles like rebounding and rim protection, but Doncic and James’ skill sets are enhanced by having a solid big man in the starting lineup.
Both players thrive when throwing lobs and dump-offs to centers, and the team needs that play-finishing role on the roster much more than they need a third isolation scoring threat like Reaves.
Additionally, both Reaves and Doncic are subpar defensive players. Playing both at the same time is hard enough, and the team could use a paint presence who can deter shots when opposing teams penetrate to the rim. Deandre Ayton has become somewhat underappreciated since joining the Trail Blazers, and the Lakers should consider trading for him.
