The 2023-24 NBA season has seen the Los Angeles Lakers look like contenders to win the Finals at times. We saw evidence of their excellence by winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. But more often than not, Darvin Ham’s team has hovered just above .500.

At their peak, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are two of the best players in the NBA. But James is 39, and Davis, 30, has also had his momentary lapses with durability, though not nearly as much as in years past. As mentioned, both are playing at a very high level, yet the Lakers realize they can’t compete with the best of the best without more help.

Los Angeles Lakers may be willing to part with Austin Reaves in pursuit of third star

In turn, the Lakers are widely expected to at least pursue a third All-Star this offseason.

“Yes, they are,” Buha said when asked if the Lakers are going to chase a third star. “And I can confirm that from multiple sources. They are going third-star hunting this offseason. And we’ll see how that affects the D-Lo situation. We’ll see how — you probably have to give up Austin [Reaves] in almost any…third-star trade. … Now, who’s available? The one name I continually hear is Trae Young. He’s been to Laker playoff games before. He’s a Klutch Sports client. That’s probably the most realistic one right now. What happens with Dallas and Kyrie [Irving]? Do they flame out? Do they lose in the play-in? Do they lose in round one? Does Dallas ultimately break that up? And then what’s the market for Kyrie? Donovan Mitchell, it seems like there’s been a little bit more growing optimism and buzz that he’s gonna stay in Cleveland. But even if he leaves, the two New York teams have reportedly been the favorites just because he’s from the greater New York area.”

That sounds exciting, but this isn’t the first time the Lakers have tried to sneak in a third star next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, this may be the first time the Lakers are planning to discuss deals while also being open to parting with Austin Reaves.

Reaves is a fan favorite in Los Angeles, and he’s an excellent shooter. All teams could use more perimeter threats like the 25-year-old. Being that he’s signed to a reasonable four-year, $53 million contract, even if it does include a 15% trade bonus, Reaves could be viewed as a very valuable trade chip.

But is he enough for another team to part with a star, especially someone like Trae Young, Kyrie Irving, or Donovan Mitchell? That’s what the summer will help determine.