Lakers Holding Firm On Not Making Same Mistake Twice Regarding Role Player Trades

Shortly after winning the NBA championship in 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the team that had just won it all. It was a surprising move for LA, but one the front office felt was needed.

Fast forward to the following offseason after L.A. was bounced in the first round of the playoffs, and the team once again changed the roster up. This time around, they allowed one of their best players to walk in free agency.

That would be Alex Caruso, who was a fan favorite during his time with the Lakers. It was a poor decision by the front office, and they are now determined to not make the same mistake again.

There has been talk about the team potentially moving guard Austin Reaves at the trade deadline, but the Lakers are holding firm on not trading him. They don't want to make the same mistake twice with a homegrown player, so Reaves looks to be here to stay.

“I don’t think they move off their stance w/ Reaves right now. They take a lot of value with him in being a homegrown talent. They don’t want to make the Caruso mistake again.”

Reaves took a jump in his game last season, and the Lakers have him a lucrative contract over the offseason. While he hasn't fully lived up to the hype that surrounded him this offseason, he has still been one of the better role players in the NBA.

Moving on from Reaves could turn out to be a very bad move, much like letting Caruso walk was. So the front office is holding its ground on any deals involving him.

The only way that Reaves would be dealt would be for a potential All-Star player who could make a massive difference. This would need to be one of the better players in the league, otherwise, Los Angeles will turn down any deal for the young guard.