NBA analyst believes the Lakers need to trade Austin Reaves to seriously compete with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Despite strong stats, defensive issues, and poor lineup results suggest roster changes may be needed to chase a championship.
Los Angeles Lakers may have to make a bold roster move if they want to build a real title contender around Luka Doncic. NBA analytics expert Tom Haberstroh believes that move should involve trading Austin Reaves.
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In his latest Substack article, Haberstroh explained why the current Lakers core does not fit together at a championship level. His main concern is defense. With Doncic, LeBron James, and Reaves all starting, the Lakers rely on three players who struggle to make an impact on that end of the floor.
“The Lakers aren’t going to go deep in the postseason with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, and they need to make a move sooner than later,” he wrote.
“All three players deserve better: Doncic needs better defenders and athletes; LeBron can’t be playing 35.4 minutes per game; Reaves deserves a chance to be The Guy.”
All three of Doncic, Reaves, and James are in the top ten slowest defensive players, a combination no other team has.
“Having multiple guys who need to be hid defensively spreads a defense thin. Three guys? It’s untenable. For those who are serious about winning,” reasoned Haberstroh.
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Offensively, the trio puts up elite numbers. Doncic continues to dominate with 34.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Reaves is having the best season of his career, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. James, now 40, is still producing with 20.2 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds.
Haberstroh also pointed out that Reaves has shown he can carry a team. In five games without Doncic this season, he has averaged 40.8 points and 9.6 assists.
“He’s clearly ready to be The Guy, but the Lakers can’t accommodate that in a basketball sense,” Haberstroh wrote of Reaves.
The Lakers control Reaves' rights and can offer him a five-year deal worth 241 million, more than any other team can.
Still, with championship pressure rising and roster flaws clear, the Lakers may soon face a tough choice between keeping a rising star and reshaping the team to win now.
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