Austin Reaves has made a significant impact in his four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, emerging as a fan favorite and playing at an All-Star caliber level this season, recording 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. However, his playoff performance dipped, averaging just 16.2 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite this, reports suggest that the Lakers see Reaves as a key player and are unlikely to trade him this summer, with both management and fellow players expressing high regard for him.
The Lakers value Reaves highly, viewing him as a cornerstone of the franchise. His team-friendly contract, which is set to pay him nearly $14 million next season, further solidifies his importance. The Lakers' reluctance to trade him indicates that they believe he can contribute positively to their future ambitions, especially as they navigate roster adjustments.