REAVES IS A STAR BUT SKILLS ARE REDUNDANT!I think Reaves is a star and has upside we have not seen. The problem is his skillset is mostly redundant on this team. I do believe the Lakers will realize before the trade deadline that the only way they can fill their starting small… pic.twitter.com/DVucBYz1Hh— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 8, 2025
I would say that’s true for as long as LeBron is on the team. That time is nearing it’s end. When LeBron leaves or retires Reaves suddenly becomes much more valuable. We’ll need a secondary scorer/playmaker and the fact that Reaves can get his own shot while making plays for others and will likely be retained for what will eventually look like a decent bargain of a deal by the end of it means it makes no sense to trade him at his current rate because the return on the talent would be really awful.
Too many talented players have been let go for zero compensation. The Lakers will have the cap space to meet any outside offer, should they so choose, and I’d be astounded if they didn’t come up to whatever the league decides he’s worth next summer.
I would agree that Reaves skillset becomes more valuable when LeBron is gone but his salary and need to start make it difficult to stagger Doncic and Reaves, which would be the optimum solution. Key imo will be how the Lakers starting lineup fares. Can they outscore what their defense allows? If not, Reaves is gone.
As to waiting until his salary is larger to trade him, that does make sense if the Lakers trade for a second superstar. My preference in trading Reaves is to trade him now for young players with great potential like the Kings Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray or one of them along with another first round pick. 2 players who fit better or 1 who fits better and a first round pick. That’s Austin Reaves imo.