The Los Angeles Lakers could find themselves making several big trades this offseason, even featuring their young star, Austin Reaves. However, while speaking on "Buha's Block", Lakers insider Jovan Buha addressed how a potential trade package with the Utah Jazz, which could solve the Lakers' problems, may still not be enough for the Purple and Gold.
The notion of including Reaves as a part of any trade deal became a topic of conversation this offseason. When considering his current contract, the Lakers guard is grossly underpaid for the value he brings to the court. And with an opportunity to test free agency next summer, the Lakers could stand a chance to lose him.
This coincidentally also makes the guard their most valuable trade chip. But, due to his contract, it is difficult to determine a proper asking price for him. In light of this, Buha fetched a potential trade deal from a fan that could potentially answer some of the Lakers' biggest questions in the offseason.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, 2 second-round picks
Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, remove protections on 2027 first-round pick, 2028 pick swap
Buha passed the question to guest panelist, Anthony Irwin, who reacted to this trade and shared:
"I don't think the Lakers do this one. I just don't think Kessler is enough to get back for Austin in the Lakers' eyes. The other complicating factor with Kessler that I bring up every time I'm asked about him is, the Jazz view trading Kessler to the Lakers as making their own draft capital worse long term."
"You are giving Luka a really good center next to him, who would keep the Lakers from completely bottoming out, unless one or both of those guys get hurt."
"I just don't see the two teams coming to an agreement on the trade for him specifically."
Irwin's input on this particular trade is certainly intriguing. The addition of Walker Kessler to the Lakers' current rotation would be a match made in heaven. The Jazz big man averaged 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds last season to go with a whopping 2.4 blocks per game. At 7'0" with a sturdy frame, he would be an immediate upgrade on Jaxson Hayes while also pairing beautifully with Luka Doncic.
The addition of Collin Sexton in this trade, along with the two second-rounders, could be viewed as an effort to sweeten the pot. Sexton is a hardworking, high-effort guard who brings tremendous two-way ability to the team.
His offensive output is matched by his intensity on defense, having averaged 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game last season while shooting 48.0% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. It is an added factor that he will be on an expiring contract next season.
While the two would be solid additions to the Purple and Gold, there is some validity to the belief that this is not enough for Reaves.
Having averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season, the 26-year-old is nothing short of being the Lakers' third star.
In a very short period, Reaves has climbed up the ranks of guards in the league and established himself as a legitimate offensive threat. His skills and potential have been weighed by numerous teams, thus seeing him valued as a potential max-level player.
A trade proposal for the Lakers to acquire Kessler has been formulated, without any mention of the Lakers' guard. While the Jazz also have a valid reason to pass on this deal, the Purple and Gold will certainly need more if they are to part ways with their young star.
Which Jazz Trade Package Would The Lakers Accept For Austin Reaves?
Although the Lakers have put a value on their star, it is very important to understand one thing: Austin Reaves is not untouchable. It is simply a matter of demands being met, and in this case, a more favorable trade would help facilitate this move.
Based on the foundations laid by the previous trade proposal, the Jazz would need to make some additions to tempt the Lakers into parting ways with Reaves. One suggestion would be to include Lauri Markkanen as part of the trade.
The Purple and Gold would also be required to make some additions to help absorb the cap hit from Markkanen's contract. This could see them dive into their war chest to offload their numerous expiring contracts, including Rui Hachimura.
The addition of Markkanen to the Lakers would do wonders for the team's overall star power, as well as their offensive integrity. But, with a depleted rotation, the team would need to explore veteran minimum deals in free agency while also getting creative with their taxpayer MLE to make key signings.
