Austin Reaves had a career year with the Lakers but struggled in the postseason, leading to questions about his future with the team. Reaves is eligible for an extension and reportedly wants a $30 million per year deal. A recent survey revealed that 61% of Lakers fans believe trading him should be considered. However, moving him won't be easy without serious implications for roster quality, reminiscent of the Russell Westbrook trade. The Lakers' goal remains to improve and aim for a championship next season.
With Reaves being extension eligible this summer and reports indicating he's eyeing a $30 million a year deal in the future, the time is approaching where you either have to commit big money to him or move on.
Trading Reaves and still improving the roster would likely mean sending a package to a team for a player. Once you do that, though, it better be the right player, or else you end up in a Russell Westbrook scenario where you got rid of a quality core because you were desperate for star power.
Ultimately, hanging banner No. 18 is the only objective the Lakers should have. If the path towards that goal includes trading Reaves, then so be it.
The fact of the matter is that the front office has plenty of work to do to turn this team from a first round exit into a title contender.
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