Rich Paul’s wild trade idea, involving Austin Reaves, for the Los Angeles Lakers before the deadline, has sparked widespread debates across the NBA world. It seemed to have an impact even beyond fans and analysts. After the Lakeshow’s blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks, Paul’s counterpart from Reaves’ team approached the high-profile NBA agent.
The Lakers found their rhythm back after three back-to-back losses, as they blew past the Hawks (141-116). LeBron James led from the front with almost a triple-double, adding 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. The team’s season got somewhat derailed after Reaves was sidelined on December 25 due to a left calf strain.
Even in his absence from the court, Reaves has been in the spotlight due to Paul’s suggestion that the Lakers should consider trading him for Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis. Probably, in response to that, the Lakers’ shooting guard’s one of the agents, Reggie Berry, was seen in conversation with Rich Paul after the game.
As reported by ESNP analyst Dave McMenamin:
“The two spoke for more than five minutes and the topic of conversation was Paul’s public trade scenario regarding Reaves, sources told ESPN.”
Even though the Lakers are 9-6 without #15 in the rotation, his absence has exposed the team’s bench in difficult scenarios. However, with Rui Hachimura back in the lineup, the bench looked a little in place against the Hawks, adding 33 points.
All the starters reached double digits, but Jake LaRavia’s production might have given the biggest relief to coach JJ Redick. He added 17 points, shooting 6-10 from the field and 3-4 from the 3-point line.
Regardless, Austin Reaves’ absence has taken a toll on the Lakers’ offense as the medical team continues to assess his situation. He has been synonymous with the Lakeshow for some time now, which is why Rich Paul’s comments have met with criticism from fans and analysts.
Rich Paul suggests trading Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. before the deadline
Speaking on his podcast Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, the agent talked about a wild trade idea for the Lakers to build around Luka Doncic. He said:
“If I was the Lakers, I would probably be targeting Memphis Grizzlies as the trade partner for Jaren Jackson Jr… You’ve got to figure out the package… If you’re able to trade out expirings and give up the last first-round pick you got, that could be one scenario.
“Or you can withhold that which comes with an unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved, which he should be. He is an underdog. There is a world where you can do best for both your team and Austin Reaves because he deserves to get paid right now.”
Austin Reaves’s 4-year $53.8 million deal will soon expire, and he is expected to get a lot of attention as he hits free agency this summer. He is an asset to the offense, and the team management would do all it can to keep him intact.
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