It starts with basketball reasons for not trading Reaves, which leads with his ability to create for himself and others. Having a secondary on-ball threat alongside Dončić and James is vital, especially come playoff time when defenses ratchet up their pressure.

LA faces tough calls on Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura as Luka Doncic-LeBron James era nears critical crossroads.

Reaves played in 73 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 20.2 points per game to go along with 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from beyond the three-point line.