Aloha,
I keep seeing Austin in all of these trade rumors and for me most of them are crap. And the couple that could make sense are click bait fantasy that will never happen.
A question that comes up is, who will be the star to replace LeBron. For me that’s not an issue to trade for. When LeBron does hang it up we will have a ton of cash available.
And perhaps we already have his replacement. The only players who averaged at least 20 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season are (sorted by win shares) Shai, Jokic, Giannis, Tatum, Harden, LeBron, Reaves, Dame, Luka, Cade, Fox and LaMelo.
Now how many of those players are 3rd options. Just Austin, heck Dame and perhaps LeBron now are the only 2nd option on the list. The rest are first option players. By the way they are all stars
Typically when Austin had to step into the number two option he had big games. When he had to step into the number one option he had even bigger games.
For those that can’t understand why the Lakers do not want to trade him, that’s why. They know what they have. I know there are defensive issues but having decent paint protection would go a long way in solving that.
I firmly believe the Lakers have a championship core. They need to add a decent center, not necessarily a star center. I believe we can add what we need without breaking up that core.
Lakers can only keep Austin Reaves if they trade for a second tier center like Gafford or Claxton. If they want a legitimate championship center like Jackson, Turner, or Kessler, they’re going to have to include Austin Reaves in the trade.
The harsh reality that Lakers fans need to understand is there is simply no way Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a starting backcourt for a legitimate championship caliber team.
Lakers have two options. If he accepts $22M per year extension and agrees to come off the bench as 6th man, Reaves would be a great fit as Lakers 6MOY candidate. If he wants $40M per year, then it won’t be for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The big difference between you and me Tom, is I look for trades for guys that are actually available. There isn’t any legitimate indication that JJJ is available. There is nothing out there. Danny considered trading Kessler after a disappointing 2nd year. Then he had a breakout year and now appears to be a firm pillar of their rebuild. And the Pacers will keep Turner. He wants to stay. And they will look to add a little to that core. As for not competing with both Austin and Luka, that’s your opinion. I watched the games too. We lost because we lacked paint protection and depth. And depth is another reason to not send out multiple pieces of our core for one guy with no way to replace them. Keep in mind, Austin played on an injured toe that typically would have kept him on the bench for 3 weeks if it were the regular season. Luka had a flu a game and an injured back the next and Lebron hurt his knee in that last game. Give me a solid center like Gafford or Carter Jr and a little more depth, over one guy that opens more holes than he fills. We lack the cap space and assets to fill them.
Another thing, JJJ averaged 22 points 5.6 boards and 2 blocks. Austin averaged 20 with 4.5 board and 5.8 assists. Rui averaged 13 as a 4th option and 5 boards. In about the same 30 minutes as Triple J. Offense does count. Now add a guy like Gafford which I highlighted because he actually maybe available. He averaged 12 points, 6.8 boards and 1.8 blocks in 21 minutes a game. Now tell me. Are we better keeping Austin and Rui while adding Gafford or we are better trading them for Triple J. I’ll keep our depth every day. By the who is your back up point guard if you trade Austin. What forward can we afford to replace Rui. One has to think about those things when considering a trade.
Did ya think Luka was available? Everyone is available for the right price and or trade.
You can’t go shopping for a Mercedes on a Kia budget. You can’t depend on the stupidity of the GM just because the Mav’s GM was stupid.
There are far too many clickbait trade proposals tossed out hourly….most make no sense as Michael points out….”Lakers urged to cut ties with ‘lousy’ Austin Reaves, find Luka’s ideal lob partner: ‘It’s time’”…. by Dean Simon/Sporting News…”lousy”???? I would love to see Austin cross paths with that nobody of a sports journalist….face it, everyone has opinons….some get paid for getting reads and clicks…..funny, prostitution just crossed my mind….
Another difference between tom and Michael is sourcing of information. X does not always mark the spot!!!