Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, deal him to former blockbuster trade partner

With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both being out with injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers have been relying heavily on their third superstar, Austin Reaves. However, with his contract possibly expiring this year with a player option he can decline, the Lakers might need to move him if they don’t re-sign him.

According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, the Lakers’ old blockbuster trade partner, the Dallas Mavericks, could be at the top of the list to trade for Reaves. 

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“Few teams need someone who can dribble more than the Dallas Mavericks. The list of squads in front of them plummets to zero if Kyrie Irving doesn't return from an ACL injury this season…Building a workable deal gets fairly easy if you can find a third-party facilitator. The Mavs have a tantalizing young big man in Dereck Lively II alongside whom Dončić has already played, as well as two first-rounders they can dangle—including Los Angeles' own 2029 pick,” Favale wrote. 

So far this season, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. While it’s only been five games, it’s important to note that Reaves stepped up to replace the production of L.A.’s other two stars. 

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The Lakers could keep Reaves, but that means they would probably have to accept they can’t get another superstar anytime soon. With Doncic making $50+ million per year, and Reaves projected to make around $40 million per year, it’s really up to the Lakers to decide if he’s worth it. 

With his current stats, he definitely is. However, the Lakers still might want to consider this trade if they want a different superstar to headline with Doncic for the foreseeable future.

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