One of the biggest decisions the Los Angeles Lakers will need to make this offseason is what to do with Austin Reaves. He’s expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent, and he could command quite a bit of money on his next contract.
But after he had another underwhelming postseason, plenty of Lakers fans are at least open to the idea of the team trading the rising star guard. In particular, fans would love to see him go out in a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player whom the Bucks are reportedly accepting trade offers for right now.
But according to a report in The Athletic by Dan Woike and Sam Amick, Luka Doncic wants to keep playing alongside Reaves — so much so that he doesn’t even want Reaves to be traded for Antetokounmpo.
“Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves, according to league sources. Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece next to him. Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dončić, those sources say, would strongly prefer a team construction that includes him and Reaves alongside whatever star the Lakers could acquire.”
The same report indicated that the Lakers “are expected to explore Antetokounmpo trade scenarios this summer,” which isn’t exactly a surprise, although the question is whether the two-time MVP even wants to come to the Lakers.
Reaves took yet another step forward in his development during the regular season by averaging 23.3 points on 49% field-goal shooting and 36% from 3-point range, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game. But during the playoffs, after returning from an oblique strain, he dropped to 20 points a game on 40.7% overall shooting and 25.7% from downtown.
He is relatively slow and unathletic by NBA standards, and he lacks the quickness and strength to effectively guard plenty of backcourt players and wings. On the other hand, Reaves is a fearless, gritty 27-year-old who is dangerous when attacking downhill and can consistently get to the free throw line.
According to the same report by Woike and Amick, the Lakers want to build a roster around Doncic that will complement him and give him the type of teammates who fit best next to him.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic doesn’t want Austin Reaves dealt for Giannis Antetokounmpo