NBA analyst Bill Simmons wants Los Angeles Lakers to prioritize Austin Reaves for Kyrie Irving in the ongoing off-season of the NBA. The Lakers, whose run was ended by eventual champions Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, will have to make some bold decisions this off-season.
In fact, Reaves had played an instrumental role in taking the Lakers to the West finals. On the other hand, Irving would be an upgrade over free agent guard D’Angelo Russell. However, the Lakers’ payroll might force them to pick between these two players and it will be interesting to note their decision.
Bill Simmons said on his podcast, “Would you trade Austin Reaves for Kyrie Irving? You’d rather pay Kyrie Irving $40 million and deal with all this stuff that comes with him over young Austin Reaves?
“How many more disappointing years in a row does Kyrie have to have before you don’t consider him a top trade target? He’s up to six. It’s six straight years of dissension, getting hurt, or just complete chaos or him refusing to play.
After impressing in the recently concluded season, Reaves could get an offer of four years for $50.8 million. As per the reports in ESPN, the Lakers are expected to match contract offers for Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura in free agency.
Reaves averaged 21.3 points on 54.9% shooting, including a staggering 56.0% from behind the arc in an ignominious sweep of 4-0 in the Western Conference final against the Denver Nuggets.
Reaves proved he was a man of big moments as he got crucial baskets for the Lakers in the playoffs. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving averaged 27.1 for Dallas Mavericks in the regular season of 2022-23.
