Lakers News: Experts Strategize Rivals' Approach To LA's Restricted Free Agents

Is this draft strategy valid?

With just a few days away from the announcement of the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, and there are rumors and trade discussions heating up all over the Association. 

The San Antonio Spurs have a lot of stock with the first pick of this year's draft, and with that stock comes a lot of power over what they could potentially get if they were to give the pick, or other assets, away. 

On the Bill Simmons Podcast, NBA Experts, Ryan Rusillo and Bill Simmons, discussed multiple draft and trade scenarios for the San Antonio Spurs that can help bolster the squad, including possible deals with Lakers Guard, Austin Reaves, and Lakers Forward, Rui Hachimura. 

"...Austin Reaves is perfect for that team...for that price and that kind of player...I wouldn't blink, I would do it."

Bill Simmons on suggestion for Spurs to go for Austin Reaves - The Bill Simmons Podcast

Austin Reaves has just finished off the final year of his two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, earning him about $2.49 million/2-years, but after the previous season he just had, he definitely deserves a lot more. 

"I would just go [offer a max contract] to Austin Reaves and force the Lakers to match it", says Simmons on his podcast. 

As for Hachimura, Simmons believes he still has some kind of consistency to prove in order to receive the kind of money his Laker teammate can earn, but says Rui's playoff run so good because of his involvement with LeBron James. 

"There are certain cases when playing with LeBron, it just brings out the best in the [role players]... and it really felt like that made an impact with Rui [Hachimura]"

Bill Simmons and Ryen Rusillo on Rui's playoff efforts during the Lakers' playoff run - The Bill Simmons Podcast

While passing up a one-of-a-kind prospect like Euro league baller, Victor Wenbanyama, would be the least likely thing to happen, there are ways that the Spurs can add a nice supporting cast for the "Wenbanyama Show". 

The only question is: will Reaves and Hachimura be a part of the Spurs' supporting cast?