Confirming the long-term future of Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent
With the addition of Luka, the Lakers can now change their stance on Austin Reaves, who was previously considered untouchable. The status of the fourth-year guard has become more unknown, with questions of his fit next to Doncic and LeBron sparking concerns long-term.
Reaves is in the midst of a career, with his value currently at its highest this upcoming offseason. Los Angeles could seize the opportunity by trading Reaves this summer or keeping him for the post-LeBron era in LA.
A proven scorer and facilitator, Reaves' efficiency has taken another dip this season, despite improved numbers on paper in per-game stats. If the Lakers have questions surrounding Reaves' fit with Luka for the forseeable future, pairing him with draft assets, tradeable contracts, other coveted pieces, or some combination of them all could acquire a player better equipped for the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Reaves isn't the only individual potentially on the move this offseason. Gabe Vincent, one of Reaves' backcourt counterparts, was being shopped throughout the early part of the season.
However, mixed reporting also suggests the Lakers' interest in retaining Vincent past (or at least through) this season. The veteran guard has struggled throughout his Laker tenure, shooting under 38 percent (30 percent from three, 63 percent on free throws) in two seasons with the team.
After signing a three-year, $33 million contract with Los Angeles in the 2023 free agency, he's failed to live up to expectations. After playing well in Miami his final two seasons with the Heat, a change of scenario may be all Vincent needs to improve his performance. Offloading Vincent may not get the Lakers much of a return, but filling the roster out in the frontcourt would make tons of sense.
Even with the moves made by Los Angeles, work still needs to be done to turn this team into a bona fide contender. After years of 'stale certainty' with one of the most important brands in the NBA, the tide of the league has suddenly shifted since the Luka Doncic. With the league-altering trade, the Lakers now have a future, one they realistically can't mess up if they make all the right moves.