"The Lakers have interest in Kessler, a Jazz source indicated the possible framework of a deal — D’Angelo Russell and multiple first-round picks would not be of interest. As noted above, though, there could be other Lakers iterations that might be of more interest." — @sam_amick
— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) November 1, 2024
You have to give something to get something.
Austin Reaves, Lakers
Age: 26
Contract: $12.9 million this season, $13.9 million next season, $14.9 million in 2026-27 (player option)
Let’s go back to that all-caps phrase Lacob shouted from the media mountaintops not too long ago: “ALL IN.”
Months before the Warriors pushed for George and Markkanen, they made an audacious bid for the Lakers’ LeBron James that was summarily refused. But there was an irony that came with that situation, as James and his co-star, Anthony Davis, have privately longed for the Lakers’ power brokers to show that sort of bold, strategic ambition for quite some time.
That’s where Reaves comes in.
If the Lakers have any chance of making a major move, it will almost certainly have to include the guard who is known to be a favorite of owner Jeanie Buss and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. This Lakers front-office group found him on the undrafted scrap heap in 2021, then saw him turn into one of their favorite in-house success stories. First-year coach JJ Redick is also known to be a huge fan of Reaves. Add that he’s on a very team-friendly deal, and it’s not hard to understand why there’s a strong reluctance to make him available.
But there’s a difference between greatly valuing a player like Reaves and deeming him virtually untouchable, as league sources say the Lakers have in the past. And if these Lakers find themselves falling behind in the West playoff race midseason, with star-player trade scenarios potentially crossing their proverbial desk, this is an internal discussion they’ll likely have to revisit. For now, Reaves (16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists per game) is off to a strong start in his starting role during the Lakers’ 3-2 start. — Amick
Reaves could be the key for the Lakers to compete if a tradable star were to suddenly become available. Frankly, our starting backcourt of Russell/Reaves was torched by Cavs superior starting backcourt of Mitchell and Garland. Dalton Knecht is more untouchable than Austin Reaves imo.
The Cav’s are torching everyone Tom. The Cavs starting back court went off for 59 against the Knicks with all those solid perimeter defenders. They had 47 against the Magic and they have Suggs, 2nd team all defense and KCP.