Austin Reaves is the most valuable trade asset the Los Angeles Lakers have right now. If the team wanted to make a major trade this season, Reaves would be the key player other teams would ask for.
Reaves is having an outstanding season. Even though he is currently sidelined with a grade 2 calf injury, he has been playing at an elite level when healthy. He has stepped up as the Lakers’ second scoring option and has been one of their most reliable players.
In his fifth season, Reaves is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. Those numbers place him among the most productive guards in the league. His improvement has been clear, and his value around the NBA has never been higher.
Despite this, the Lakers have made it clear they do not want to trade him. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the team has no interest in moving Reaves before the trade deadline. Fischer also said the Lakers were never seriously involved in trade talks for Trae Young before Young was dealt to Washington.
By refusing to include Reaves in trade talks, the Lakers are limiting their options. Many rebuilding teams would love to build around a player like Reaves. He is young, skilled, and capable of leading an offense on a nightly basis.
From the Lakers’ point of view, trading Reaves could bring back a major star or a game-changing player. That type of move could help them compete with top teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
But with Reaves likely staying put, it is hard to see how the Lakers significantly improve their roster this season. Keeping him preserves stability, but it may also prevent the team from making the kind of bold move needed to take the next step.