The NBA trade window has officially opened, and negotiations, rumors, and moves are all flying around left and right.
However, multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, have closed doors and set boundaries around this trade period, although, never say never.
The Los Angeles Lakers Will Not Move Austin Reaves For Zach LaVine
One of these teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly excluding guard Austin Reaves from trade negotiations particularly involving Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.
The Lakers have been at the center of multiple circulating rumors including one which involves LaVine. However, with an average salary of $43,031,940 and contract bonds until 2027, the act of acquiring the Bulls guard comes with an incredibly hefty price tag.
According to Joe Crowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Lakers are not interested in a trade package including Austin Reaves for Zach LaVine.
“There have been whispers about the Lakers for over a year now, but a source said that the pieces that would have to be swapped don’t fit, and Los Angeles remains steadfast that Austin Reaves isn’t going to be included.”
Also Read: JJ Redick Weighs In On Latest Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumor
Austin Reaves is currently averaging 17.4 points (43.8% FG, 35.5% 3FG, 80.9% FTS), 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season and is coming off an impressive triple-double performance of 26 points (8/20 FG, 4/10 3FG, 6/6 FTS), 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 115-113 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Zach LaVine is currently averaging 22.3 points (50.1% FG, 45.1% 3FG, 82.3% FTS), 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season.
LaVine also recorded a recent standout performance in a 133-141 loss to the Atlanta Hawks with 37 points (14/25 FG, 7/9 3FG, 2/2 FTS), five rebounds, and seven assists.
The Lakers Show Hesitations To Move During Winter Trade Window
The Lakers seem to be practicing a more conservative approach to the winter trade window, so the reluctance around moving Reaves comes as no surprise to many.
The team is currently prioritizing the current roster over new prospects with the front office and coaching staff holding a public consensus that the Lakers can compete for a championship title when fully healthy.
The Los Angeles Lakers play their next game Saturday night at 7:30 pm PST on their home court, Crypto.com Arena, versus the Sacramento Kings, the third matchup between these two teams in the last 10 days. Austin Reaves is set to start in tonight’s game.