The Lakers’ only chance to strengthen their roster after such a poor start to the season may be to trade for Austin Reaves
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023–2024 season has been a dramatic divergence from the plan. The Lakers, who have a very lackluster record of 20–21 and are currently lingering at the 10th spot in the very competitive Western Conference, must confront an unexpected truth. With only three wins since the start of the season, the team is in dire need of a spark to get things going.
The Lakers need to make a crucial choice that will require saying goodbye to Austin Reaves, a talented player whose departure could be the key to their turnaround in order to turn around and become serious contenders again.
This Season, The Lakers Continue Their Struggles
The Los Angeles Lakers’ journey hasn’t exactly been the victorious show that fans had anticipated as they negotiate the turbulent waters of the 2023–2024 NBA season. They are now 10th in the brutal Western Conference after a depressing 20-21 record. This is a sharp contrast to their previous season, when they finished in 7th place with a 43-39 record, which included a heroic run to the Conference Finals. Notwithstanding these accomplishments, the Lakers were unable to win the championship due to a persistent problem with not having enough star power.
There was an undeniable excitement about the team’s offseason actions, with hopes of revolutionary adjustments that would establish them as genuine contenders. Among them, Austin Reaves in particular appeared ready for a breakthrough season that might make him an All-Star. The expectations of a spectacular ascent were stoked by his stellar numbers from the previous season, which included an amazing average of 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game.
But as the season progressed, these hopes were not realized. The absence of the expected advancement and outstanding contributions from important players clouded the team’s aspirations. The Lakers are on the verge of mediocrity, and immediate action is required to save their season. The hope-filled offseason has given way to a harsh reality
At the core of this situation is the strong case for a critical action: the trade of Austin Reaves, a player whose exit could be the spark that ignites the revolutionary shift the Lakers sorely require.
Austin Reaves Is Not Going To Play For A Franchise
As Austin Reaves moves through these critical years in his career, the high hopes for his performance have been dashed by the harsh reality. Many expected Reaves, who is 25 years old, to have a season that catapults him into the upper echelons of an All-Star player. But the harsh reality is that he doesn’t currently take these things into account.