When factoring in all of the good and bad with Austin Reaves, Lakers fans think trading him has to be considered this summer.
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While Austin Reaves had a career year this season as a Laker, his poor performance during the postseason certainly hurt his place amongst fans.
With Reaves being extension eligible this summer and reports indicating he’s eyeing a $30 million a year deal in the future, the time is approaching where you either have to commit big money to him or move on.
When factoring in all the pros and cons of the situation, we asked Lakers fans in our latest SB Nation Reacts poll if Reaves should be in trade talks this summer.
The results are in, and 61% of fans think trading Reaves has to be considered.
It’s important to note that being involved in trade talks is different from actually getting dealt.
With Reaves currently under such a good contract, it’ll be hard for Los Angeles to move him and retain a player better than he is.
Trading Reaves and still improving the roster would likely mean sending a package to a team for a player.
Once you do that, though, it better be the right player, or else you end up in a Russell Westbrook scenario where you got rid of a quality core because you were desperate for star power.
The fact of the matter is that the front office has plenty of work to do to turn this team from a first round exit into a title contender.
With the NBA Finals currently underway, Lakers fans have some time before any offseason moves can be made.
For now, all one can do is watch the Thunder-Pacers series and see which of the baby Lakers will win it all. If you’d like to place a wager on the series or any other NBA bets, be sure to check out our friends at FanDuel.
Ultimately, hanging banner No. 18 is the only objective the Lakers should have. If the path towards that goal includes trading Reaves, then so be it. If the best way to win an NBA title involves a backcourt featuring Reaves and Luka, then that’s fantastic.
All options have to be considered when you are as far from your target as the Lakers currently are, and that includes parting ways with a fan favorite.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.