Latest news with #AustinReaves
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal
The post Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. In the wake of Desmond Bane's blockbuster trade to the Orlando Magic, sports analyst Nick Wright has raised questions about how the deal could reset the trade market for players like Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Advertisement On the latest episode of What's Wright? with Nick Wright, the FOX Sports host evaluated whether the Lakers could use Reaves in a multi-team trade to address their ongoing need at center, using Bane's trade package as a benchmark. 'If Desmond Bane is worth four first rounders,' Wright said, 'then is the Lakers real path to getting a center a three-team trade where Utah doesn't want Austin Reaves because they don't want to compete yet… but you flip Austin Reaves to a team that does want him and has a bunch of picks. Those picks go to Utah and Walker Kessler goes to the Lakers.' Wright continued, proposing a framework that puts Reaves' value just below Bane's, but ahead of many other non-All-Star level contributors. Advertisement 'If Desmond Bane's worth four first round picks, is Austin Reaves worth three and a half first round picks?' Wright asked. 'If Mikal Bridges goes for five firsts and Bane goes for four firsts then the price of controlled quality top-50, but not top-25 players has been set.' Lakers may leverage Austin Reaves' value after blockbuster Desmond Bane trade reshapes market Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Lakers have long been linked to potential center upgrades, and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has emerged as a frequent trade target. A 7-footer known for his rim protection and rebounding, Kessler fits the mold of a starting-caliber big man that the Lakers reportedly want to pair with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Advertisement Reaves, 27, is coming off a career-best season in his fourth year with the Lakers. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while playing 34.9 minutes per game across 73 appearances. He shot 46% from the field and 37.7% from three, continuing to build on the breakout stretch he had in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Reaves is under contract for $13.9 million for the 2025–26 season and holds a player option for the 2026–27 season worth $14.8 million. His production, age, and team-friendly contract have made him a valuable asset in trade discussions as the Lakers weigh roster changes following another early playoff exit. The Desmond Bane deal, which sent the 26-year-old guard to Orlando in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap, has recalibrated expectations for the value of high-level role players and borderline stars. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. The parallels in production and role between Bane and Reaves have prompted speculation over whether the Lakers could now explore Reaves' trade value in a more aggressive pursuit of roster upgrades. Advertisement As the offseason continues, Reaves' name is likely to remain a topic of conversation among executives and analysts alike. Related: Lakers rumors: How new owner will be 'valuable resource' for LeBron James Related: Sources: Why Lakers rivals hoped Jeanie Buss would never sell franchise
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brian Windhorst Reveals Only Way Lakers Can Win with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
Brian Windhorst Reveals Only Way Lakers Can Win with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers fell far short of their championship aspirations than many likely expected in this spring's West playoffs. Advertisement L.A. flipped a package centered around a first round pick, 10-time All-Star big man Anthony Davis, and wing Max Christie, to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic and big men Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in a franchise-altering midseason blockbuster. But without Davis — and after scuttling a subsequent attempted trade for 23-year-old Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, when Williams failed his team physical — the Lakers were without critical rim protection heading into the playoffs. Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Doncic (77) and Austin Reaves (15).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Lakers were briskly manhandled by the bigger, longer Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, with Jaxson Hayes (now a free agent, and seemingly unlikely to return to town) installed as the team's starting five to kick off that series. Advertisement Los Angeles' defense was patchy elsewhere. The team's three best players — Doncic, 21-time All-Star forward LeBron James, and guard Austin Reaves — are all great ball handlers and scorers but limited defenders, leading to a porous perimeter presence on that end. While appearing on a Thursday morning installment of ESPN's "Get Up" to discuss the Lakers' $10 billion team sale, longtime LeBron James insider Brian Windhorst explained how Los Angeles can survive if it opts to keep Doncic, 26, and Reaves, 27, together for the long-term. "If they're going to be committed to playing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves together, in other words they're going to keep those guys on the perimeter, they're just going to need more interior defense — because those guys are susceptible on the outside," Windhorst suggested. "So they need somebody who can defend, it doesn't have to be a blockbuster trade, but they need somebody who can defend at the rim with the players that they have." Advertisement The Lakers may not be able to find another Anthony Davis without, say, trading LeBron James, but the team could still grab an athletic rim protector like Onyeka Okongwu or Mitchell Robinson with the right trade chips. Related: Lakers Predicted to Make Major Offseason Roster Upgrade After $10 Billion Sale: Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James Urged to Make 'Substantial Sacrifice' for Lakers Next Season
LeBron James Urged to Make 'Substantial Sacrifice' for Lakers Next Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Many fans and pundits predicted the Los Angeles Lakers would compete for the championship this year after the Luka Doncic trade. Advertisement The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February. The purple and gold's new "Big 3" of Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves helped the team finish with the third-best record in the Western Conference. However, the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in five games. Minnesota won Games 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the best-of-seven series. The Timberwolves series proved that the Lakers need to make more upgrades this offseason to become a title contender, and James has been urged to make a "substantial sacrifice" for the franchise. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been urged to take a huge pay cut. © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Sam Quinn of CBS Sports thinks James needs to take less than the max salary next season. Advertisement The four-time MVP has a player option worth $52.6 million for 2025-26. "The Lakers, as currently constructed, have a ways to go before they can credibly compete for the 2026 championship," Quinn wrote. "If they are going to do so, they need to improve their roster substantially, and their easiest path to improving the roster substantially involves James making a substantial sacrifice. "He might be understandably gun-shy about doing so because he's seen previous employers waste similar sacrifices in the past, but if he wants to maximize his chances at winning one more title, that's the one tool available at his disposal to do so." James made the All-NBA Second Team this year, becoming the oldest (40) player in NBA history to make one of the three All-NBA teams. Advertisement A four-time Finals MVP, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists this season while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3. He's still a max contract player. However, Quinn believes James needs to take a pay cut to help the Lakers get more talent in Los Angeles. Related: LeBron James Doesn't Hold Back While Discussing 2020 NBA Bubble This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"We're moving in the right direction" - Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves addresses retirement plans amid trade rumors and speculation about his career trajectory
Austin Reaves (Image via Getty). Austin Reaves, the rising star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers , recently addressed his future with the franchise amid trade rumors and speculation about his career trajectory. Despite being one of the most talked-about players on the trade market this offseason, Reaves made it clear that his desire is to remain with the Lakers for the entirety of his NBA career and eventually retire as a Laker. Austin Reaves , who joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, has steadily improved each season, culminating in a breakout 2024-25 campaign. He posted career highs with averages of 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting an efficient 46% from the field and nearly 38% from three-point range. His all-around game and basketball IQ have made him a key contributor alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, even as the Lakers continue to reshape their roster to contend in a competitive Western Conference. Austin Reaves Reveals His Future Plans With Lakers Despite his impressive performance, Austin Reaves has been the subject of trade rumors due to the Lakers ' need to balance their roster, particularly at the center position after trading Anthony Davis. The team reportedly views Reaves as a valuable asset who could be moved if the right offer—especially for a top-tier big man—comes along. However, Reaves has consistently downplayed these rumors, emphasizing his focus on working hard and not getting distracted by speculation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo He told reporters at his Reaves Brothers Basketball Camp, "I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it there. I love the fans, love the weather, love the golf. And obviously, the Lakers are the best organization in basketball". Austin Reaves also acknowledged that while the decision to trade him is out of his hands, he remains optimistic about his future in Los Angeles. He expressed confidence in the Los Angeles Lakers' direction, especially with the addition of Dončić, calling it a promising foundation for success. He said, "I think the sky's the limit for us. We're moving in the right direction". Financially, Austin Reaves is entering a critical phase, with a player option for the 2026-27 season and eligibility for a contract extension this summer. Although the Lakers can offer a significant extension, Reaves is reportedly considering waiting to maximize his earning potential, potentially testing free agency. Also read: Denver's Brain Drain: Why the Nuggets Let Go of the Man Behind Jokić's Dynasty In summary, Austin Reaves has made a heartfelt announcement about his retirement plans, expressing a strong desire to spend his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite trade rumors, he remains committed to the franchise and optimistic about their championship prospects, embodying the spirit of a loyal and hardworking player ready to contribute to the Lakers' future success.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Austin Reaves: 'I want to play my whole career' with Lakers
Austin Reaves: 'I want to play my whole career' with Lakers There have been some rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers could look to trade guard Austin Reaves this summer. Even more than that, there is a sizable number of Lakers fans who want the team to trade him or even feel it will be necessary to ship him out if the team is to seriously contend for the NBA championship. Reaves raised his production yet again this season and averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game. His scoring and shooting percentages rose after Luka Doncic was sent to Los Angeles in early February, but he struggled in the first round of the playoffs when the team lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Reaves hosted his annual kids' basketball camp this past weekend, and per Arkansas-based KAIT, he said he wants to remain with the Lakers for good. 'I think the sky's the limit for us,' he said. 'We're moving in the right direction. Obviously, adding Luka (Doncic), it gives you a hall of fame player such a young age that you can build around, and then obviously, still having Bron (Lebron James), the IQ, and still running around at forty years old, but I want to be in LA. I want to play my whole career in LA. I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously the Lakers is the best organization in basketball. (on trade rumors) I don't pay attention to it. I keep my head down work, and I feel like that's one of the reasons I'm where I'm at.' Deciding whether to trade Reaves isn't a straightforward matter for the Lakers. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season, and as a result, he can opt out and become a free agent next summer. Right now, his contract, which will pay him $13.9 million next season, has to be considered a major bargain. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Arkansas native is expected to opt out in 2026 and seek a new contract that would pay him roughly $30 million a year.
