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Lakers predicted to build around Luka Doncic, trade $53.8 million 23.3 PPG breakout star
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to build around Luka Doncic if their playoff run fails, potentially trading breakout star Austin Reaves, who averages 23.3 points per game. The Lakers aim to improve their championship odds with a focus on acquiring better defensive players.
Lakers predicted to build around Luka Doncic, trade $53.8 million 23.3 PPG breakout star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ championship quest begins on Saturday, as the franchise (currently shorthanded by injuries) faces the Houston Rockets in the first game of their first-round playoff series (the Lakers hold the No. 4 seed, while the Rockets are the No. 5 seed).
Given that the franchise is in win-now mode, anything short of a title would likely compel the franchise to make a drastic offseason move to improve its future championship odds. FS1’s Nick Wright believes that an unsuccessful postseason could result in the Lakers building around Luka Doncic and trading a 6-foot-5 breakout star averaging 23.3 points per game.
“I think that if LeBron were going to stay in LA, and they wanted the best chance to win a championship next year, I think what Rich Paul said four months ago is still correct, which is moving Austin Reaves for better defensive pieces for Luka,” Wright said Tuesday. “I think that would be the move.”
Before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Lakers were believed to be in the market for a game-changing three-and-D wing. Trey Murphy III, DeAndre Hunter, and Andrew Wiggins were reportedly linked to the Lakers earlier this season. Still, the organization elected to land a three-point specialist in Luke Kennard, who’s a subpar defender.
The offseason will present the Lakers with another opportunity to find an asset (or assets) that can be highly productive on both ends of the floor. The Doncic-led Lakers can score with anybody, evidenced by their 115.7 points per game during the regular season.
However, Los Angeles surrendered 115.6 points per contest during the first 82 games of the year, which isn’t a recipe for success in the playoffs. If Los Angeles’ perimeter and interior defense fail them in the postseason, fans should expect the franchise to make significant roster adjustments in the summer.
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Q&A
What are the Lakers' plans if they don't win the championship this season?
If the Lakers do not win the championship, they may focus on building around Luka Doncic and consider trading Austin Reaves.
Who is Austin Reaves and what are his current stats?
Austin Reaves is a 6-foot-5 breakout star for the Lakers, currently averaging 23.3 points per game.
What players were linked to the Lakers before the trade deadline?
Before the trade deadline, the Lakers were linked to Trey Murphy III, DeAndre Hunter, and Andrew Wiggins as potential acquisitions.
