By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
While they are still aiming for the title, the Lakers could be very active before the transfer deadline. Former member of the franchise, Byron Scott, however, advised them not to part with a specific player, whatever the circumstances.
What to think of Lakers For now ? This is the big question that arises in the City of Angels. Without being bad, it’s hard to see the LeBron James gang establishing itself as a credible candidate for the title of champion. Their sixth place in the Western Conference (21-17) does not particularly inspire confidence in observers.
However, the franchise is not known for being patient and this is even less the case when LeBron has just celebrated his 40th birthday. Eager to capitalize on the last years of the King, the Purples and Golds should therefore shake things up around the trade deadline. The name of Bradley Beal was notably mentioned while he was leaving Phoenix, but Byron Scott preferred to warn his ex-franchise:
Bradley Beal will transfer. Now there has been talk about whether he might come to LA. It’s obvious that Bradley is a very talented offensive player, there’s no doubt about it. But if you look at what Austin has done this year, so far, his stats are fantastic.
For the former member of Showtime, parting ways with the young guard would indeed be a big mistake not to be made in California:
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Austin Reaves untransferable in the eyes of Byron Scott
If I were in the Lakers’ shoes, I wonder if I wouldn’t think twice before making such a trade, especially if I had to give up young talent or draft picks and all those things I know that they will have to part with it. For me, you should definitely not trade Austin Reaves. He must stay here.
Since the start of the season, AR15 has averaged nearly 18 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He relieves LeBron of certain scoring and distribution responsibilities and above all, he knows his role well behind the King and Anthony Davis. However, Beal showed that it was not that simple for him at the Suns, while he is now a replacement after being unable to live with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
The financial aspect also plays a role in Scott’s eyes. Next year, the former Wizard will receive more than $53 million alone… while Reaves is entitled to the same sum, but on his entire contract which ends in 2027. Bringing in the star could therefore seriously hampering the finances of Los Angeles:
Austin was signed for a very good price, it’s a bargain. A bargain at $38 million. So I like what Austin Reaves has done all season long, and I like the situation they’re in right now.
Whether for purely sporting or financial reasons, the arrival of Bradley Beal at the Lakers is not particularly desired by Byron Scott. And even less so if the Purples and Golds had to part ways with Austin Reaves to achieve this…
