Reaves Injury Leaves Lakers in a Bind

The Los Angeles Lakers received concerning news on Friday, as an MRI revealed that guard Austin Reaves is suffering from a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain. This injury will sideline Reaves for at least four weeks, complicating the team's efforts during a critical juncture of the season.

Following a strong start, the Lakers have encountered a slump, even with LeBron James back in the lineup and Luka Dončić exhibiting remarkable play. Currently, Los Angeles sits at 20-10, and treading water without Reaves may not be sufficient if they aspire to contend for a championship this season.

Trade Talks Heat Up

With the injury looming large, Kevin O'Connor reports that trades for the Lakers are becoming increasingly likely. One name that has surfaced in trade discussions is Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who was recently announced to be parting ways with the team. Jake Fischer from The Stein Line has indicated that the Clippers are committed to assisting Paul in finding a new home, either by facilitating a direct trade or allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Given that Paul and James share a friendship and that Paul's veteran-minimum cap hit would fit into the Lakers' current salary structure—being $1.1 million under the first tax apron—the concept of a Paul-to-Lakers trade might sound appealing. However, sources clarify that the Lakers are not actively considering Paul as a midseason addition. Their focus has shifted towards younger players who can support the long-term progression alongside Dončić and Reaves.

A Void in Production

While depth is always a concern, the Lakers may find Paul less beneficial in the short term. He averaged only 2.9 points for the Clippers prior to being sent home, and he hasn't posted double-digit scoring numbers since his 2022-23 season with the Phoenix Suns. In addition, the Lakers need to enhance their defensive efficiency, an area where Paul has not excelled in recent years.

On the offensive end, adding another ball-handling point guard could complicate matters, given that both Dončić and James already dominate playmaking duties. The memory of a missed opportunity from 2011, when a trade sending Paul to the Lakers was vetoed by then-commissioner David Stern, lingers in the minds of fans. However, integrating a player like Paul at this stage in his career could be burdensome for the Lakers, who have strategically kept a roster spot open for flexibility at the trade deadline.