The Los Angeles Lakers are very much alive and kicking in the Western Conference at the moment. In fact, they still have an outside shot at securing a guaranteed playoff spot as the regular season winds down.
At the same time, however, you can’t fault the office for already looking ahead to next season, which apparently, might no longer include rising star Austin Reaves as part of the squad’s long-term plans.
RUMOR: Los Angeles Lakers to Trade Austin Reaves?
Reaves is in the midst of a breakout year as he has firmly established himself as a key player on the roster. This surge, however, might be something the Lakers intend to use in order for them to lure a third star to Hollywood next season.
According to team insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, one superstar who remains on LA’s radar is Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Could Reaves be the centerpiece of a potential blockbuster trade offer for the three-time All-Star? Buha seems to think so:
“The Lakers are going third star hunting this offseason,” Buha said (h/t Legion Hoops on Twitter). “You’ll probably have to give up [Austin Reaves]. The one name I hear is Trae Young. That’s the most realistic one right now.”
This is not the first time it has been suggested that LA cash in on Reaves while they can. Hall of Fame big man and three-time Lakers champ Shaquille O’Neal also believes that Reaves could be on his way out if LA is serious about recruiting another star.
For his part, Young’s future as Atlanta’s cornerstone star has recently been clouded in doubt, which could mean that he might be available this summer at the right price.
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