The Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to be one of the most active teams ahead of the offseason. However, after months of minimal moves, it’s starting to feel like general manager Rob Pelinka is aiming for something even bigger.
If Pelinka were to be gearing up for a blockbuster deal, it would be interesting to see who could be on their way out of the Lakers organization. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the team has a handful of noteworthy assets that could push the needle if a trade were on the table.
“Best Trade Assets: G Austin Reaves, F Rui Hachimura, 2029 first-round pick,” writes Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report. “Reaves is the Lakers' best player outside of (LeBron) James and Hachimura and is on a terrific contract. Keeping him should be the goal, although giving him up as part of a trade for a star may be necessary in the end,”
“Hachimura is in a similar position to Reaves as a good, starting-caliber player about to enter his prime on a team-friendly contract. Again, there's no reason to shop the 26-year-old especially given his shooting ability, although he'd likely be part of a trade package for a star that the Lakers would listen to (or make) calls for.”
Reaves has developed into one of the best role players for the Lakers since signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Fresh off a career year averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 48.6% from the floor, it would be hard to see Los Angeles letting the 26-year-old go unless a sure-fire upgrade was on the way.
As for Hachimura, LA acquired the former lottery pick from the Washington Wizards in 2023. In 101 games for the Lakers, the Gonzaga product is averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and one assist. It would be a shock to see Los Angeles ship out the forward, especially with the team’s lack of depth in the frontcourt -- but if the price is right anything could happen.
Only time will tell what Pelinka's plans are, but these two young players could be names brought up in trade rumors as the season progresses.
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