The Los Angeles Lakers have entered the new calendar year with a disappointing 17-17 record. They’re in 10th place in the Western Conference, and their championship aspirations have petered out, at least for now.
Everyone seems to have ideas about how to fix the Lakers. Plenty of fans have been asking for head coach Darvin Ham to be fired; some have proposed various trades. Right now, Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray seem to be the two trade targets fans are most focused on.
But longtime NBA writer Bill Simmons has an idea that could ruffle the feathers of Lakers fans. During a recent episode of his podcast, he suggested the team trade budding star Austin Reaves to the Golden State Warriors for former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green and guard Moses Moody (h/t Sports Illustrated).
“My favorite (trade target is) Austin Reaves. Because, next couple of weeks, you could conceivably make a Draymond Green for Austin Reaves trade. The Lakers, let’s say they’re around .500. Let’s say they talk themselves into that. Does Golden State have to throw in, maybe (Moses) Moody to make that work? I just like the trade. In theory, I don’t think Golden State needs Draymond. I think they should trade him.”
Green hasn’t been on the court lately after being suspended indefinitely by the NBA for whacking the Phoenix Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic in the face. It was the third time in the last nine months he has been suspended for a violent act during a game.
Simmons, a lifelong Boston Celtics homer, is a well-known Lakers hater, so this suggestion should be taken with a big grain of salt. While Green is still a viable player and an excellent defender, not to mention an admirer of LeBron James, he’s nearing his 34th birthday and may not have much tread left on his tires.
In addition, he has a sizeable contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. At this point in his career, he may not be able to justify being paid well over $20 million a year.
Furthermore, Reaves is playing some of the best basketball of his young career right now. A Reaves for Green trade would leave the Lakers bereft of Reaves’ offense and ability to create off the dribble, and offense is clearly their biggest problem right now.
