To Help LeBron James and Luka Doncic, GM Rich Paul Would Trade Austin Reaves for Grizzlies Star

The combination of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves has not been successful this season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

To Help LeBron James and Luka Doncic, GM Rich Paul Would Trade Austin Reaves for Grizzlies Star

LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rich Paul and Austin Reaves (Image via FirstSportz)

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Barring their late loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and their previous loss to the San Antonio Spurs without LeBron James, Luka Doncic and his veteran teammate have led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight wins.

The wins gave those waiting to see how the duo perform together further evidence that the 41-year-old could seamlessly perform any role head coach JJ Redick wants him to.

On the other hand, Doncic looked to be at ease, and had it not been for his mindless fouls against the Bucks, maybe they could have won four out of their five games this year.

As the days pass, Austin Reaves is slowly working his way back to full health. His return to the starting lineup, however, might become a problem for the current team.

If I was the Lakers, I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… If you’re building around Luka, you need that anchor… If you’re able to trade out expirings and give up the last 1st you got… Or, let me withhold that, but this comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved.

Rich Paul said on the Game Over Podcast

The super agent claims that had he been the one controlling the Lakers’ front office, he would have traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. and GG Jackson.

In return, he would first try to send out the expiring contracts and the last remaining 1st-round pick. If it doesn’t work, then Austin Reaves is the best option.

Rich Paul believes trade with Grizzlies will be best for both Lakers and Austin Reaves

While referring to Austin Reaves in this trade, Rich Paul reiterated that he believes the guard deserves to be paid. But the money that he could demand will undermine the Lakers.

Austin Reaves game-winner heroics will make him expensive
Austin Reaves game-winner heroics will make him expensive (Image via NBA/X)

There’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team, and what’s best for Austin. Austin deserves to get paid… Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He would become probably their leading scorer and point guard.

Rich Paul said

The Klutch Sports CEO detailed how spending all their money on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will restrict the Lakers from signing truly gifted players to fill out their roster.

It seems he is also including LeBron James’ $54 million salary when talking about how Austin Reaves will be better off getting paid and becoming the primary scorer and ball handler on the Memphis Grizzlies.

That way, the latter gets to reset its roster around the Arkansas native, as they move past the Ja Morant era. Moreover, it brings defensive balance to the Lakers, as Luka Doncic has proved that he struggles in that area.

NBA champion details realistic expectation from Luka Doncic on defense

Rich Paul detailed that trade proposal on the back of the Lakers’ defensive struggles with Luka Doncic on the floor. When PJ Tucker was on 7PM in Brooklyn, the forward said this:

I need Luka to do the little things to be able to get the stops and put us in a position to win.

PJ Tucker said

The 2021 NBA champion reiterated that for someone who routinely scores 40, it is unrealistic to expect that player to also defend the best opponents on the floor. But what he can do is box out or close out a passing lane, things that can impact their opponents and help his teammates get the stops necessary.

Right now, Doncic is not doing anything, which is why the men in purple and gold are struggling against top-tier teams. If that has to change, PJ Tucker wants the Slovenian to do what is necessary.

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