The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty consistent in their reluctance to part ways with Austin Reaves.
Ever since signing him to a four-year, $50+ million contract this past summer, L.A. has largely held Reaves out of trade talks. Between his smart play, undeniable swagger with the ladies and youthful promise, he possesses all the traits the front office would want in a player they will build around long-term.
In fact, the Lakers’ refusal to include Reaves in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks has been the single biggest roadblock in getting a Dejounte Murray deal done.
That being said – Reaves isn’t totally off limits. This week, a report surfaced revealing the one condition under which Los Angeles would consider dealing him.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the one circumstance under which L.A. would consider moving on from Reaves is for an established, All-Star talent.
“They have no interest in trading Reaves,” Buha wrote. “The exception would be in a deal for a clear-cut third All-Star, with a name like Lauri Markannen being the only player of that ilk potentially available on the trade market.”
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have been linked to Markannen in recent weeks. There is no denying that he is precisely the sort of player that could turn their whole season around.
So far this year Markannen is averaging 23.7 points per game on 49.4 percent shooting from the field and nearly 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc. In addition, he is chipping in 8.8 rebounds and nearly one full steal per game.
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That being said, L.A. isn’t putting all its eggs into Markannen’s basket.
In recent days the team has been linked to a big name superstar, a controversial role player and a three-team, win-win-win big-name trade.
It will be interesting to see what Rob Pelinka and Co. can achieve in the coming week.
Will the Lakers be able to acquire a big name superstar like Markannen ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline? Time will tell.
Related: Lakers Linked To 4-Team Dejounte Murray Trade
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
