The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season concluded with disappointment, as the team, despite finishing third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record, suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers struggled to keep up with Minnesota’s high intensity, ultimately falling 103-96 in Game 5 at home, marking their second consecutive early postseason departure.
The Lakers boasted a promising trio heading into the playoffs after the significant mid-season acquisition Luka Doncic, who joined LeBron James and Austin Reaves. All three players made significant contributions during the regular season, but were not enough to push LA into the second round. Reaves, in particular, had a standout season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 73 games, including a career-high 45 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 8, 2025.
However, Reaves’ performance dipped during the playoffs, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over five games, shooting 41.1% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range. It was later revealed that he was contending with a left big toe sprain, an injury typically requiring 2-4 weeks of rest, which he played through during the series (via Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane).
In the aftermath of the playoff exit, speculation arose about potential roster changes, including the possibility of trading Reaves to acquire a big man. Addressing these rumors, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers have decided to keep Reaves, emphasizing the team’s focus on building around their core trio.
“One name that Lakers fans should not anticipate moving from LA is Austin Reaves,” McMenamin wrote. “Don’t look for the Lakers to be upgraded for a star position by using Austin Reaves. It’s about finding the right role players around those three.”
The Lakers’ offseason priorities include securing Doncic with a potential four-year, $229 million extension, while LeBron James’ future continues to be a huge topic heading into next season. LA’s front office will also aim to bring in some size in the form of a lob threat and rim protector, a lack of which haunted them in the playoffs.
