The Los Angeles Lakers swung the trade of the century when they acquired Luka Doncic. It will take some time before the excitement of that deal wears off, and rightfully so. However, when it does, it should be a good opportunity to assess the fit of the pieces around Doncic and figure out what moves can be made to maximize the new Lakers superstar.
One questionable fit that Los Angeles has moving forward is the collection of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves playing defense on the perimeter as a part of the starting unit for the Lakers. That concern can be supplemented by elevating someone like Dorian Finney-Smith to that of a full-time starter. Even with that move, the Lakers would only be mitigating the problem and not necessarily solving it.
Reaves is having the best season of his career, averaging his highest points per game (18.4), assists per game (6.2), and steals per game (1.1) that he's had during his time in the NBA. The fourth-year pro is also on one of the better contracts in the league, offering up that production while only making close to $13 million this season.
There would be a natural reluctance to dealing Reaves anywhere. However, if the Lakers wanted to, they could likely yield a star player in exchange for the Lakers guard.
Lakers get their new starting center from Pacers
Let's get the obligatory Myles Turner trade out of the way. The Lakers have been connected to Turner for years. They could certainly utilize Reaves' value to secure the defensive star.
Turner is only 28 years old and should be around to help Doncic flourish in Los Angeles for quite some time. The pick-and-roll action between those two players should be incredibly effective and Turner would help secure the defense on the interior.
If there is hesitancy for the Pacers when it comes to paying Turner in the offseason, the value provided in the deal is strong. However, the fit of Reaves beside star point guard Tyrese Haliburton would bring up some question marks. As would being left without a starting center.
On top of that, the Pacers have been surging up the Eastern Conference standings of late. That means there is both reason to believe the timing of this deal feels right and wrong in terms of favoring the Lakers.
Lakers pursue another defensive star
The need being pursued with these first couple of trade packages should be clear: help in the frontcourt. This time, the Lakers would turn to the Utah Jazz in hopes of finally prying away Walker Kessler.
Kessler is, similarly to Turner, a star on the defensive end. The 23-year-old is also leading the NBA in field goal percentage, giving the Lakers an excellent option to finish off plays down low that Doncic initiates.
Collin Sexton is no simple throw-in either. The Jazz guard should be capable of providing strong help off the bench for the Lakers.
This one really comes down to how much the Jazz value both Reaves and their own players. There is certainly a scenario where the Lakers are forced to include their 2031 first-round pick too. It may still prove a worthwhile deal even if that is the case.
Go big or go home
The Lakers have already landed one absurd blockbuster trade before this year's NBA Trade Deadline. Perhaps they can secure another.
There is something funny about pairing Devin Booker in the backcourt with Doncic, given their history. However, it is a pairing that should yield strong results.
This deal would need the Phoenix Suns to exhibit a desire to give up on their current star trio before this year's deadline. If that happens, Reaves gives them a solid building block moving forward, to go with the limited draft capital that the Lakers can offer.
The Toronto Raptors get rewarded with Dalton Knecht for their efforts of coming in and facilitating the deal financially. That feels necessary considering the lack of overall trade assets between the Suns and Lakers.
Is this deal convoluted and a touch out there? It absolutely is. However, one would argue there is no such thing as an impractical trade after the ridiculous Doncic deal that the NBA world saw this season.