When the Los Angeles Lakers miraculously acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, the Lakers were left with a gaping hole in their roster.
Trading away Anthony Davis left them with no real center on the roster. Jaxson Hayes did his best to fill in, but he was almost unplayable by the time the playoffs rolled around. The Lakers nearly acquired Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through due to a failed physical.
Now, Los Angeles has DeAndre Ayton pegged as their starting center, but is there a better option out there available?
Lakers Trade Idea Ships Out Austin Reaves for New Center
A recent Bleacher Report article listed trade ideas involving every NBA team’s best asset. For the Lakers, they tabbed Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin
Dallas Mavericks receive: Austin Reaves and a 2031 first-round pick
Trading Reaves for Lively would be great for this iteration of the Lakers, as Lively is an up-and-coming player who fits and knows how to play alongside Doncic. Having to give up homegrown talent is always tough, but this deal makes too much sense for L.A. to pass up.
“He’s a really good player. He’s also not a great trade asset. His growth potential is probably limited by his age (27), and he might be super expensive by this time next year. ” Wrote BR’s Zach Buckley.
“The Lakers could cross their fingers and give him that kind of coin, but they could also flip him and a future first for Lively, who has established chemistry with Luka Dončić and cornerstone potential on defense, and Martin, a reliable role-playing wing with a proven ability to perform on the postseason stage.”
While Reaves is certainly a fan favorite, his skill set is a bit redundant playing alongside Doncic, as a backcourt featuring both of them is a liability defensively.
If the Lakers want to put themselves in a position to win now, finding players that fit with their new Slovenian star should be a priority.
