Lake Media strongly recommends the deal Reeves: 4-choose 1 plan to win the present and the future, laying the groundwork for King James retirement

Austin Reeves was revealed after being eliminated in the first round of the Lakers' playoffs. He will jump out of the contract in the summer of 2026 to test the waters of the free market. His average salary for his next contract is expected to be around 30 million, but the Lakers' management does not want to trade him yet. Hachimura became the first bargaining chip for the Lakers' trading recruitment this summer.

On the evening of June 3, Laker Tom strongly recommended the Lakers to trade Austin Reeves. He analyzed that the trade of Reeves should choose four players - Derek White, Avdia, Herbert Jones, and Okongu. Because the length is too long, I will briefly summarize it here:

1. The Lakers' defense is not good, Doncic + James cannot win the championship, the team needs to use Reeves, Kneckett, the first round of 2031, and multiple second rounds to improve their overall strength;

2. James can jump out of the contract this summer, and Pelinka has to convince him to play for at least 1-2 more seasons. Doncic can also jump out of the contract tomorrow, and Pelinka has to renew his contract;

3. The Lakers need to introduce a center forward to the frame protection, rebounds, pick-and-roll, and a scoring guard with starting ability also has the ability to limit the defense of top defenders; wing defenders also need certain ball-holding ability and space-opening ability;

4. Therefore, the Lakers' four choices to defend are particularly important.

The first one is Reeves' single substitution of Okonggu. Okonggu, who is 2.06 meters, has also entered his fourth rookie season. He averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.93 steals and 0.92 blocks this season, with a shooting percentage of 56.7%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 32.4%. He can play 4-5 positions and has excellent defense.

The second one is that Reeves will replace Herbert Jones. Although Jones has suffered a major injury, he is the top wing defender with a bare foot of 1.98 meters. His career three-point shooting percentage is as high as 36.6%. He has completed an early contract renewal with the Pelicans, and his 27-year-old age is also suitable for Doncic.

The third one is Reeves for Avdia. It is obvious that Avdia at 2.06 meters is excellent. It is omnipotent for three-pointers, ball-holding attack, organization, and rebounding. You can even see LeBron's shadow in him. His arrival is equivalent to laying the foundation for LeBron's retirement.

The fourth item is Reeves + Vincent for White. White has proved that he is the top three-pointer, defender and organizer in the league in the playoffs. If the Lakers can get him, their overall strength will be greatly improved.

Text/Yan Xiaobai: Lakers Observation