Lakers Not Willing To Trade Austin Reaves

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Los Angeles Lakers have no desire to trade the 26-year-old guard. Austin Reaves will continue to be a vital part of Rob Pelinka’s team.

This isn’t the first time teams wanted Reaves, the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks were two big teams that wanted him. In 2023, they declined a Kyrie Irving deal that involved Reaves; in 2024, Los Angeles also declined a trade that would have given them Dejounte Murray.

His value has been incredibly high since exploding onto the scene back in 2021; Reaves has been a huge complimentary piece for the Lakers, which has been praised by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Reaves is entering the second year of his four-year, $56 million deal that was signed last season. Last offseason saw the San Antonio Spurs trying to pry him away, but Los Angeles was able to win him back.

Austin Reaves Given Bench Role

While Darvin Ham is claiming this recent move involving Austin Reaves isn’t a demotion, it definitely can feel like one. There is no timeline on how long this “realignment” process can last.

Reaves has been struggling, along with Los Angeles’s starting lineup, so their head coach believes shifting around key players can make a fundamental difference to their on-the-court production.

This move is all about getting players going and trying not to rely upon LeBron James and Anthony Davis for every single possession.

Cam Reddish has replaced Austin Reaves in the starting lineup since L.A.’s win against the Phoenix Suns. Reaves looked better on the bench with 15 points, while Reddish balled-out with 17 points.

Nobody knows for sure how long this lasts, but why change something that is currently working for the organization?

The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Lakers Sunday night.

Austin Reaves To Get Offers For More Money Than Lakers Want To Pay Him

Austin Reaves To Get Offers For More Money Than Lakers Want To Pay Him

Reaves has been one of the best players for the Lakers this postseason run and one of the hottest names in playoff basketball; with that said, the soon-to-be restricted free agent will be entering the summer looking for a new contract.

Los Angeles, while hoping to re-sign Austin Reaves, does not want to pay him more money than some of the expected offers.

The Lakers will be able to match any offer submitted by an inquiring team, however, they could be forced to match under terms that would see the 24-year-old paid around the Mid-Level Exception for the first two seasons.

Since he is subjected to the Arenas Provision, his contract could jump come years three and four. Due to that, Los Angeles hesitates to pay him so much money.