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When the Lakers traded for Luka Dončić, they made it clear that he was the future of the crew.
As time has gone on, it’s additionally evident that Austin Reaves is a part of that future. He is having a profession 12 months, averaging 23.5 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per recreation. With Reaves getting into free company this summer season and reportedly looking to make over $30 million a 12 months, the Lakers are about to commit long-term to him.
But is that the proper transfer?
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we’re asking, how assured are you in an Austin Reaves-Luka Dončić backcourt for the future?
Reaves is a homegrown expertise and a fan favourite. So, conserving him is an simple transfer. And, contemplating he’s gotten higher every season, LA would be silly to let him stroll away and never discover out simply how excessive that ceiling actually is.
As a duo, Luka and Austin have a plus-minus of +96 on the season. That makes them the fifth-best pairing on the roster. Both gamers getting into their prime collectively may create one among the greatest offensive backcourts in the NBA.
Dončić is already on observe to win the NBA scoring title and if Reaves was on tempo to be an All-Star earlier than damage this season. The two of them very properly may grow to be a headache to defend in the Western Conference.
Having this as your place to begin when LeBron James inevitably decides what he’s doing along with his profession looks as if a fantastic begin to the subsequent period of Lakers basketball.
However, there are some points with the Reaves-Dončić pairing.
Defensively, neither participant is excellent. And in the postseason, when physicality is allowed extra and Reaves doesn’t get the similar kind of calls, he’s struggled.
Last 12 months, he averaged 16.2 factors, 3.8 rebounds and three.6 assists in the opening spherical in opposition to the Wolves. With his manufacturing dipping, LA was unable to beat Minnesota, shedding in 5 video games.
In Reaves’ protection, he was dealing with a big toe sprain, however the 12 months earlier than, he had related numbers in the playoffs in opposition to the Nuggets.
During that first spherical sequence, Reaves averaged 16.8 factors, 3.8 rebounds and three.6 assists throughout 5 video games. The rebounding and assists numbers have been under his season averages and LA was unable to defeat Denver.
The commonplace for the Lakers is profitable titles, and it’s honest to surprise or be involved that LA can’t get it achieved with a weak defensive backcourt and a participant who has struggled in the postseason for back-to-back years.
So, what do you suppose? Is the offensive energy of Dončić and Reaves so good that defensive points aren’t a giant deal? Will going all in on these two as the highest-paid gamers result in extra titles for the Lakers?
Or, do you may have considerations that this pairing is enjoyable in the common season, however received’t result in playoff success?
Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down under!
You can comply with Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
