Latest news with #Lakers'
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic, Bulls Report Turns Heads After Lakers' Loss in NBA Playoffs
Luka Doncic, Bulls Report Turns Heads After Lakers' Loss in NBA Playoffs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of Luka Doncic in February 2025 marked one of the most significant trades in NBA history, as it was the first time two reigning All-NBA players were exchanged midseason. The Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. Advertisement While the move aimed to bolster the Lakers' championship aspirations, the team ultimately fell short, exiting the playoffs in the first round after a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.5 rebounds in 28 games. However, his defensive struggles and conditioning have drawn criticism, particularly during the playoff series against the Timberwolves. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images In the aftermath of the trade and LA's elimination, a report has surfaced that the Chicago Bulls were eager to acquire Doncic. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, a source indicated that Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas and his front office "would have offered anyone and everyone on the roster had they been notified by the Mavericks that Luka Doncic was available in February." Advertisement However, the Mavericks only engaged in trade discussions with the Lakers, and the Bulls' potential offer was never considered. This revelation sparked a wave of reactions from NBA fans on social media, many of whom questioned the Bulls' ability to assemble a compelling trade package for Doncic: "Did I miss the Bulls having anyone better than AD? That team is a pile of garbage. You couldn't even trade the entire roster for a third-team All-NBA player," a fan wrote. "For who?? Vuc and Ayo," one fan added. "The Bulls are washed; no one wants to play in Chicago," another fan joked. Advertisement "Bulls don't got a single player worthy of trading Luka for," a fan noted. "Just for Luka to be playing with some scrubs lmao," another fan mentioned. Related: Cooper Flagg, Dalton Knecht News Turns Heads Before NBA Draft Related: Lakers Predicted to Part Ways With One Player After LeBron James News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two mock trades give Lakers a viable center and a 3-and-D wing
The Los Angeles Lakers not only need a viable starting center this offseason — they also need better guard and wing depth. An athletic 3-and-D player who can start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic and scale up to the 3 spot at times would be ideal for them. They have limited trade assets, so they will have to be prudent and creative with how they go about filling both needs. Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World proposed two separate trades that would address both deficiencies. In one trade, Los Angeles gives up forward Rui Hachimura, guard Gabe Vincent and their 2031 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Nic Claxton, a big man they have been linked to. Via Fadeaway World: "Claxton appears to fit the profile with regard to what the Lakers want from a big man as well," Gupta wrote. "At 6'11", the Nets center has shown a lot of upside on the defensive end of the floor. Although he isn't a physically imposing player, the 26-year-old is very capable of making use of his length on the rebounding glass while simultaneously showcasing his tremendous athleticism at his size. "Claxton notched an average of 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season with the Nets. As their primary defensive coordinator in the paint, he also notched an average of 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. "As a young and mobile center, he poses an inherent lob threat. This makes him an ideal partner for Luka Doncic, who is known to exploit mismatches in the pick-and-roll with his big men. "Additionally, Claxton is quite capable of holding his own in the paint. The Lakers' lack of paint presence and rim protection was shown to be a glaring flaw in their playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Nets center can't transform their defensive rotation, he certainly shows enough upside to be able to plug the gap." Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle In another trade, the Lakers would surrender forward Jarred Vanderbilt and their second-round pick this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker. "The 26-year-old is a young and reliable wing who could fit right into the Lakers' system," Gupta continued. "Alexander-Walker has shown tremendous upside as a perimeter threat. Having started his career in New Orleans, the guard has gradually shown improvement in his ability while embracing his role on the wings. "... The addition of the Wolves guard could help reinstate some semblance of balance in the roster. As a player who primarily moves without the ball, Alexander-Walker makes for a solid outlet passing option for Doncic or James on the perimeter. "The guard notched an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on shooting splits of 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point territory. The stat lines don't necessarily reflect the kind of impact the Wolves guard has had on the game. "At 6'5", his length could be of great value to the Lakers' defensive lineups as well. While additionally making considerations for other intangibles, he would prove to be a solid pick-up. "Alexander-Walker is going to be a free agent in the offseason. Considering the quality of his performance in the postseason, it is clear that he will demand a higher value going forward. "In such a case, the Lakers may be able to sign the 26-year-old off a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves." The Lakers got a taste of Alexander-Walker's ability during the first round of this year's playoffs against Minnesota. His 6-foot-9.5 wingspan allows him to cover lots of ground defensively, and he can play up to three positions, which would make him very valuable. The downside to these two proposals — and it's a sizable one — is that it would leave L.A. thin in the frontcourt. It would then have to make good use of its mid-level exception and veteran's minimum signings in free agency to fill out the rest of the roster. Today's NBA is all about depth, and not about having top-heavy rosters, and the team would have to avoid the latter.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin Reaves Expected To Demand Nearly $30 Million In Next Contract
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been one of the key players for the team in the past few seasons. Seamlessly fitting into the role of the third star on most occasions, Reaves has grown and developed into an invaluable asset. A main reason why Reaves has so much value for the team is that he has routinely outplayed his contract. His previous contract extension saw him on a four-year, $53 million deal. Given how his earnings increased with each season, Reaves is due to earn a bit below $14 million next season. Advertisement The 2026-27 season is where concerns arise for the Purple and Gold. The 26-year-old has a player option for the final year of his contract. Although he can opt in and accept just below $15 million for the season, there is a greater likelihood that he will opt out and test the waters of free agency, as per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. He said: "Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range." "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he'd re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn't be technically legal or binding." Advertisement The demand for Austin Reaves has skyrocketed over the past few seasons. The young star has displayed an innate ability to single-handedly revitalize his team's offense when he is on the floor. Whether this is through his scoring or playmaking ability, his impact on the offensive end is undeniable. The 2024-25 season was a fruitful one for the guard from a performance point of view. Reaves recorded an average of 20.2 points per game, a massive step up from his average of 15.9 points the previous season. Given that he had embraced a bigger role for the team, he also saw a subsequent rise in his rebounding and assists numbers, averaging 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 46.0% FG. The arrival of Luka Doncic on the Lakers meant that Reaves would take on a reduced role, since the Slovenian does more of the same thing that he does. But the guard duo made for a solid backcourt combination for the Lakers to close out the regular season. Unfortunately, Reaves' stock took a hit in the playoffs after a series of relatively underwhelming outings. While considering that he was playing with a toe injury, this is understandable. But the Lakers' guard still took accountability for the poor performances, leading to a 4-1 loss to Minnesota in the first round. Advertisement Regardless, the Lakers' concerns for retaining Reaves next summer will be justified. With rumors speculating that LeBron James may return on a two-year, $105 million deal, the Purple and Gold may not be able to afford Reaves if he demands a $30 million contract. Reaves' value on the trade market has also seen him mentioned in several trade rumors in the offseason. Considering that the Lakers are making a play to become title contenders immediately, a trade package including Reaves may be the best way of ensuring that the team lands a superstar in this context. Related: Austin Reaves' Agent Sends Strong Message Amid Trade Rumors: "You Have No Idea What's Coming"
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Could Trade Austin Reaves If He Opts Out Seeking $200M Deal
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for another pivotal offseason, one of the biggest question marks surrounds the future of guard Austin Reaves. Once considered one of the franchise's most promising young players, Reaves is now a candidate to be moved if contract negotiations don't align with the team's long-term vision. Reaves, who posted a career year with 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field and 37.7% from three, is eligible for a significant raise. Under the current CBA, the Lakers can offer him a four-year extension worth $89.2 million. Advertisement However, reports suggest Reaves is expected to opt out of his $53 million deal after next season and could seek a max-level extension in the $180–200 million range, which would pay him upwards of $42 million annually. For a player who struggled in the postseason, averaging just 16.2 points on 41.1% shooting, those are eye-popping numbers. And it may be too much for the Lakers' front office to stomach, especially after a first-round exit where Reaves' limitations were exposed by a tougher, more physical Timberwolves team. Rob Pelinka and the Lakers brass now face a critical decision: lock in Reaves at a premium rate despite playoff inconsistencies, or cash in on his rising value via trade while they still can. Reaves is not untouchable, far from it. According to Sports Illustrated's Ricardo Sandoval, 'If former Lakers star big man Anthony Davis is not untouchable, then Reaves falls into that same category — for the right price, of course." Advertisement The Lakers are known to be in the market for a major frontcourt upgrade or a third star to flank LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and including Reaves in a trade package could help match salaries while giving another team a plug-and-play scorer with youth and upside. The irony in Reaves' situation is that he's earned this moment. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, he worked his way from two-way hopeful to playoff starter and Team USA contributor. His fiery, fearless style won over Lakers fans, and even more importantly, LeBron James. But the postseason is a harsh evaluator, and in this league, value is measured in May, not March. If Reaves pushes for a deal nearing $200 million, as some insiders believe he might, the Lakers may be forced to explore sign-and-trade scenarios to recoup assets rather than risk losing him for nothing. The ideal return would include size, defense, and playoff toughness, traits L.A. sorely lacked against Minnesota. Advertisement Nothing is set in stone yet, but the writing may be on the wall. Unless Reaves and the Lakers can agree on a more modest extension, the relationship could be headed for an offseason split. And while fans may not want to hear it, sometimes moving on is what championship-chasing franchises have to do. Reaves was a revelation. But with luxury tax implications, roster needs, and postseason disappointments on the table, the Lakers could decide that the next chapter doesn't include him. Related: Joel Embiid To Lakers Can Happen Without Trading Austin Reaves, Says Bill Simmons
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Front Office Reportedly Split Over Future Of Austin Reaves And Rui Hachimura
Lakers Front Office Reportedly Split Over Future Of Austin Reaves And Rui Hachimura originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads, and it's not just about who they add next; it's about who they might lose. Advertisement According to Insider Anthony Erwin, the Lakers' front office is deeply divided over the futures of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, two players who have become mainstays in their rotation over the past two and a half seasons. As the franchise prepares for the first full year of the Luka Doncic era, tough decisions loom large. The tension stems from the Lakers' disappointing 2-12 record in their last 14 playoff games, including a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With limited trade assets and only one first-round pick to leverage, the Lakers' ability to upgrade the roster hinges on moving actual contributors, and that's where Reaves and Hachimura come into focus. Austin Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. Advertisement His affordable contract makes him one of the best value assets in the league, but that won't last. Reaves is expected to demand upwards of $30 million annually when he hits free agency in 2026, and his agent recently issued a sharp response to trade speculation, stating, 'You have no idea what's coming.' Despite his popularity and production, the Lakers aren't actively shopping Reaves unless the return is an All-Star caliber player who complements Doncic long-term. So far, no such deal exists. However, the cap situation and fit alongside Doncic raise internal concerns. Reaves struggles defensively against elite wings, and with Doncic and LeBron James both operating with high usage, there's an argument that the Lakers may need a more athletic, defensive-minded backcourt partner. Hachimura, meanwhile, may be the more likely trade candidate. Set to earn $18.2 million next season on an expiring deal, he's one of the few players whose salary and performance could fetch a rotation-level upgrade in return. Advertisement Despite dealing with a lingering knee issue, he was one of the few Lakers who showed up consistently in the postseason. His 41% three-point shooting and physicality on the wing give him value, but with James, Doncic, and Dorian Finney-Smith all defending similar positions, the fit becomes redundant. Some within the Lakers' front office want to make bold moves now, even if it costs popular players, believing that wasting another year of LeBron James and Doncic together would be organizational malpractice. Others prefer to wait for a full training camp to evaluate the fit before blowing things up. There's also speculation that the team may be saving its best assets for a future star partner for Doncic once LeBron's contract expires. Whatever direction the Lakers take, one thing is clear: this offseason will define their future. The debate around Reaves and Hachimura isn't just about two players; it's about whether LA is ready to act boldly or continue to play it safe with a roster that hasn't delivered when it matters most. Advertisement Related: Wild 3-Team Trade Proposal: Kevin Durant, Center, And Guard To Lakers; Suns Get 7 Players And 4 Picks This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
