Doncic Urges Lakers to Keep Austin Reaves, Opposes Including Guard in Potential Antetokounmpo Deal
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Luka Doncic has told the Los Angeles Lakers he wants the club to re-sign guard Austin Reaves and leave him out of any trade package for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to reporting by Sam Amick and Dan Woike of The Athletic.
League sources cited in the report said Doncic views Reaves as a long-term backcourt partner and has specifically communicated that preference to Lakers decision-makers. The Slovenian star, who developed both an on-court rhythm and an off-court friendship with Reaves this season, “would strongly prefer” a roster construction featuring himself, Reaves and any additional star the organization might acquire, the report added.
Los Angeles is expected to explore an Antetokounmpo deal this summer, but its trade assets are limited. Doncic’s stance effectively removes the possibility of involving Reaves in a sign-and-trade, tightening the Lakers’ options if the Bucks make their two-time MVP available.
Doncic and Reaves formed the NBA’s highest-scoring duo during the regular season, bolstering the guard’s value in the eyes of team officials. Head coach JJ Redick has also indicated he wants the current core to stay intact.
Reaves, 25, is expected to decline his player option and enter unrestricted free agency. Speaking after the Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he said he plans to take the offseason “day by day” before making any decisions.
Source: LakersNation
