Lakers predicted to cut ties with $53.8 million star guard via trade

While the Los Angeles Lakers unquestionably possess a top-10 trio (Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic) skill-wise, there appears to be a disconnect on the hardwood.

The three stars haven’t gelled as smoothly as the Lakers likely hoped, which could signal that a roster shake-up is necessary. 

Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh believes that for Los Angeles to reach its full potential, they must trade their star 6-foot-5 shooting guard. 

“The Lakers are lucky to be 19-8 (article was written last Monday) with this roster,” Haberstroh stated on his Substack page. “It’s time to trade Austin Reaves and truly build a title contender around Luka Doncic in a way that makes sense.”

“The Lakers aren’t going to go deep in the postseason with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, and they need to make a move sooner than later.”

"All three players deserve better: Doncic needs better defenders and athletes; LeBron can’t be playing 35.4 minutes per game; Reaves deserves a chance to be The Guy.”

There’s no doubt that Reaves would thrive as the No. 1 option on a different franchise.

Reaves has been tasked with assuming that role with the Lakers when Doncic and James were inactive, and the Oklahoma product has given individuals a glimpse of what he’s capable of as a go-to playmaker/scorer. 

The 27-year-old can manipulate defenders in pick-and-roll scenarios, succeed as an isolation scorer, and routinely connect on difficult, off-balance jumpers after getting bumped in the lane. 

Reaves is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds with the Lakers this season, shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from three. 

There’s a decent chance that Los Angeles will consider breaking up their big three before the trade deadline by parting ways with Reaves.

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