The Los Angeles Lakers have been under heavy media scrutiny over the past few days after LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, suggested the team consider trading Austin Reaves.
“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. Jaren doesn’t want to be apart of a rebuild… if you’re able to trade out expirings and trade the last 1st you got or you can withhold and give up less but this comes with a more unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. There’s a world you can do what’s best for your team, and what’s best for Austin. Austin deserves to get paid,” Paul said.
Paul’s comments sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world, to the point that James was asked to address them publicly. James made it clear that Paul speaks for himself.
“I think you all know by now, Rich is his own man and what Rich says is not a direct reflection of me and how I feel," James told ESPN. "And I hope people know that. I hope people know that and if they're not sensible to know that, then I don't know what to tell them."
While Lakers fans are not in favor of trading Reaves, there is growing support for a potential move involving Jonathan Kuminga, which has gained significant buzz.
“The Lakers have legitimate interest in trading for Jonathan Kuminga. With the Kings now unwilling to part with a future protected first-round pick, Los Angeles could swoop in and make an enticing offer to the Warriors,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
The Lakers would not have much difficulty acquiring Kuminga, who has struggled to find consistent footing with the Warriors. Once viewed as an exciting prospect coming out of college, his production in Golden State has dipped significantly, largely due to inconsistent playing time.
It remains unclear what the Warriors are seeking in return beyond a first-round pick. However, this is a move the Lakers are expected to continue pushing for, making it intriguing to see what kind of offer they ultimately put together.