After flaming out early in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have work to do this offseason. LA's lack of frontcourt depth and size proved to be too costly in their first-round series against the Timberwolves. While the Austin Reaves-Luka Doncic-LeBron James trio has a ton of talent, especially on the offensive end, the Lakers may need to balance out the roster by moving one of them.
This makes Reaves the most obvious trade candidate if the Lakers were to change things up this summer. The soon-to-be 27-year-old is on a team-friendly deal, making $13.9 million for next season. After the 2025-26 season, the Lakers will have to give him a lucrative, long-term deal. Considering the questionable fit of Reaves, the Lakers should consider trading him for a defense-first player.
One player that comes to mind is Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets. A Reaves-for-Smith trade could be a fascinating win-win move for both teams.
After flaming out early in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have work to do this offseason. LA's lack of frontcourt depth and size proved to be too costly in their first-round series against the Timberwolves. While the Austin Reaves-Luka Doncic-LeBron James trio has a ton of talent, especially on the offensive end, the Lakers may need to balance out the roster by moving one of them.
This makes Reaves the most obvious trade candidate if the Lakers were to change things up this summer. The soon-to-be 27-year-old is on a team-friendly deal, making $13.9 million for next season. After the 2025-26 season, the Lakers will have to give him a lucrative, long-term deal. Considering the questionable fit of Reaves, the Lakers should consider trading him for a defense-first player.
One player that comes to mind is Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets. A Reaves-for-Smith trade could be a fascinating win-win move for both teams.
Smith is coming off his third season in the league, averaging 12.2 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game on 43.8/35.4/82.5 shooting splits. He can guard multiple positions and protect the rim on the defensive side of the ball. His offensive game is currently limited to jump shots, but he helps his team by spacing the floor. His ability to play small-ball five is also very valuable for any team looking for more versatility.
The Rockets desperately need more shot creation and offensive firepower. Reaves would be a serious upgrade over Jalen Green, who struggled in his offensive role in the playoffs. Houston can then trade Green in a separate deal to add more shooting.
The Lakers add more size, defense, and shooting with one move, while getting younger. Smith has a higher upside than Reaves and plays a more premium position. The 22-year-old may not be a household name yet, but the Lakers should seriously consider such a move to be a more dangerous team in the postseason.
