Austin Reaves has emerged as a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers, known for his sharpshooting and relentless effort. However, as the Lakers aim to reshape their roster for the upcoming season, the discussion of trading Reaves has begun. Despite his impressive regular-season performance, postseason struggles raise concerns about his fit alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Reaves averaged 20 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds during the season, proving to be a valuable asset. Yet, his lackluster playoff performance, marked by a struggle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, suggests that he may not be the third wheel the Lakers need to contend for a championship. The front office may need to leverage Reaves in a trade to secure a dominant big man that the team desperately needs. While there's no current intent to trade him, the potential for an impactful acquisition looms large, making Reaves a potential casualty in the quest for championship glory.