Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers being unrealistic about young stud's trade value ahead of deadline

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/3/24

Austin Reaves is a fan-favorite among the Los Angeles Lakers faithful. His rise from being an undrafted rookie to an integral part of Darvin Ham's rotation shows the franchise's ability to nurture and develop talent. As such, it makes sense that the Lakers would be reluctant to part ways with the third-year wing.

According to a Jan. 19 report by The Athletic's Jovan Buha, it would take a "clear-cut" All-Star to entice the Lakers to move on from Reaves.

However, Reaves isn't an All-Star. Expecting such a significant return for him on the trade market is nonsensical. During a recent appearance on the "All Facts No Breaks" podcast, Matt Barnes claimed the Lakers were overvaluing Reaves' and his importance to the franchise.

"I'm a big fan of Austin Reaves," Barnes said. "I think he's done a great job of being a Laker. But I feel like I'm reading trade stuff of 'we're not giving him up unless we get an All-Star.' But he's not an All-Star. I think the Lakers are overvaluing him. Because a lot of teams want him. In order to make a move, they're going to have to give him up...If he was a third star, you wouldn't be giving him up in the first place."

Matt Barnes believes the Lakers are overvaluing Austin Reaves

"I'm reading like 'we're only giving Austin Reaves up for a third star' well if he was that third star you wouldn't be giving him up in the first place"

[via @AllFactsPod ] pic.twitter.com/Nsscu8DCjc
— BASKETBALL ON (@BasketballOnX) February 3, 2024

Reaves is an outstanding connector. He can produce at a consistently high level on both sides of the floor. He isn't a star-level talent, though. Instead, he's a reliable role player who's versatile enough to operate in multiple different roles. Those types of talents are incredibly valuable within the NBA. They're not enough to secure an All-Star-level return in trade talks, though.

Right now, the Lakers are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline. Yet, they don't appear willing to part with any significant talent in order to upgrade their roster. Reaves is averaging 15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, shooting 48.8% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range. He is the kind of player you add to a deal when you're searching for an upgrade.

If Rob Pelinka and the front office are dead set about keeping Reaves with the Lakers, they will have to part with another young talent. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt could be the most logical options. Still, if the Lakers want to maximize their returns, Reaves will have to be part of the trade package. Otherwise, a third star heading to Los Angeles at the trade deadline will be highly unlikely.

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