Lakers News: Los Angeles Rejected Any Trade Overtures Including Young Star

Los Angeles was determined to not move their young guard.

The Los Angeles Lakers trade deadline was interestingly quiet compared to all the hype that surrounded the team for weeks. Los Angeles decided to stand pat at the deadline rather than make a trade for the sake of making one. 

While they didn't pull the trigger on any moves, they were very active in looking around the league for help. The team even received a ton of interest for one of their own players, guard Austin Reaves. 

However, much like everyone expected, Reaves was seen as pretty much untouchable during the trade deadline. The Lakers rebuffed any deal that would have had them including Reaves, as they highly value him on their roster. 

No surprise Lakers were quiet today. LA rebuffed all efforts to pry loose Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell’s recent revival had them reconsidering the value gained by packaging Russell and a ‘29 No. 1. More opportunity this summer, when LA can deal as many as three firsts.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 8, 2024

Reaves may not have taken the giant leap that many were looking for him to do this season, but he has been very serviceable. He remains the third or fourth option on this Lakers team on any given night, which is great news for Los Angeles.

He showed what he could do in the postseason last year, raising his game when the lights were brightest. The Lakers are hoping for more of the same from Reaves again this season if the team can find a way into the postseason. 

The front office views him as a homegrown success story, so it will take a lot for them to part ways with him. The only way the Lakers would move him would be for a superstar-type player, and none were available at this trade deadline. 

Reaves now remains with the Lakers, and fans can rejoice. He has quickly become a fan favorite and will be a key piece to their success down the line this year.