The Los Angeles Lakers got back in the win column with a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. It also marked LeBron James‘ return to the floor after a two-game absence. Still, with the team just two games above .500 and struggling mightily on defense, the popular opinion is GM Rob Pelinka will make a move this season. It won’t involve James or Anthony Davis, but could they dangle another starter out there?
Lakers Trade Involving Popular Player Might Net Biggest Return
Would the Lakers Really Trade Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves has crafted himself into one of the most popular players in Los Angeles ever since his debut with the Lakers a few years ago. His upside was high, and for the most part, he has played well for the franchise, leading many to believe that he would be a Laker for years to come. Could that change, though? If presented with a to-good-to-turn-down offer, would the Lakers give him up? Considering that LeBron isn’t going anywhere unless he wants to, and AD is almost certainly unlikely to be traded, Reaves may very well be the Lakers best trade asset.
No one wants D’Angelo Russell (that includes the Lakers), given the struggle it’s been to unload him going back to last season. Still, he remains in trade rumors. Gabe Vincent is also likely to be involved in any trade. However, these two players are not drawing anyone’s interest, which is a problem for the Lakers. Usher in Reaves, who would draw immense interest from many teams if his name were to leak into the trade whispers. The question is, would Pelinka really try to trade him? Bill Simmons, former ESPN personality, believes that trading Reaves would net the biggest return for the Lakers. He explained why on his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast.
“The Lakers will do some sort of panic trade, I just don’t know what it is. If they’re actually trying to be competitive, they’ll know that you can’t play LeBron — who’s one of the five worst defensive players in the league by now — with Reaves, with [Dalton] Knecht, and with D-Lo [D’Angelo Russell]. You can’t have those four guys on the court at the same time, unless you’re trying to play a game that’s like 145-143. So my guess is Reaves would be the trade guy. Right? ‘Cause you take his contract and put it with something else.”
Rob Pelinka Has to be Thinking “Defense” In Any Trade Push
If defense is the Lakers most significant and looming flaw, then fixing it is a must. Frankly, their perimeter defense, and defense in general, is one of the biggest reasons they’re 14-12 and not better. Dalton Knecht, Russell, and Reaves are not going to stop high-caliber offensive players and shooters. Although, Reaves is capable of snagging a steal here and there. Simmons is correct, though, in mentioning that a main lineup featuring Russell and Reaves with LeBron and AD is generally counterproductive.
Reave’s offensive upside is why teams would clammer to get him. He’s also a smart player and has a knack for getting to the basket, usually drawing a foul. A package consisting of Reaves and one or two of the Lakers first-round picks they’ve been hiding could net a solid return, including a defensive player who can help them in a dire area of need. Maybe they could also find a way to squeeze D’Lo in there. Of course, this is all mute if the Lakers have no intention of trading away Reaves. It’s been reported that they aren’t looking to trade for a big star but for solid-depth pieces. Going that route may not require parting with Reaves.
Nevertheless, Pelinka would do well to at least test the waters and see what a trade involving Austin Reaves could net the Lakers in return. Pelinka’s job is very much on the line this season. Either he does it, or he doesn’t. It starts with fixing a shabby defense.
