The Los Angeles Lakers don’t really have many options when it comes to movement this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make major changes this summer. After a disappointing first round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, they have a lot to do.
My top priority is to re-sign Luka Doncic, who is likely to have an extended A-term extension with the Lakers this summer.
But one of the biggest concerns they have is in the central position. Their lack of center proved to be Achilles’ heels in the playoffs.
How will the Lakers achieve that? Well, their lack of assets means they may have to break up with Austin Reeves.
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Dunwalk of the Los Angeles Times spoke about the Lakers’ future this summer. He admitted that the Lakers were about to land another center.
However, the problem they face is a lack of assets, both in terms of draft topics and valuable players. This will allow them to consider trading Austin Reeves.
Though they will not give up on Reaves unless they can land star level centers in trade packages built around him.
“The Lakers’ best assets (negative to Releeve) are the first round picks in 2031, the second year Wing Dalton Knecht and many expired contracts,” according to rival scouts and executives.
“Some of those combinations are essential for any trade a team makes for a center. Free agency options like in-season trading options are considered fairly lean.”
Read more: Stephen A. Smith warns that “severely low wages” and “La Lakers stars can’t trade.” “You’ll be a short change.”
Lakers fans were alking with the prospect of trading Austin Reeves. Undrafted security guards established themselves as the team’s third option.
But at this point, it may be the wisest option for them. Reaves is a free agent in 2026. And given the contract he signed last time, he is due for a massive wage rise.
The best deal the Lakers can offer Reaves is worth $89.4 million. He can make a fair amount of money on another team.
So if the Lakers lose their leave on a bigger deal, they need to get cash early and get the best deal possible in return.