Leave if you don t give a big contract. US media shows the five people who can replace Reeves. Who is the most suitable

Reeves may part ways with the Lakers in the offseason in 2025. The main reason is that Reeves wants a contract renewal with an annual salary of no less than $30 million, but was rejected by the Lakers management. Although he averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, his poor defense and unstable offensive performance in the playoffs are also considered not worth a big contract.

To this end, Siddhartha Gupta, the author of the US media "Fadeaway World", suggested that the Lakers prepare for Reeves to leave in advance, and they could consider finding someone to replace Reeves. Siddhartha Gupta showed off five players who could replace Reeves and gave a good trading plan.

1. Indiana Pacers' Mathurin

Los Angeles Lakers received: Mathurin

Indiana Pacers received: Hachimura Leather, Dalton Necht, 2025 No. 55th overall pick, 2031 first-round pick, Mathurin is only 22 years old. After entering the NBA for only three seasons, he has become one of the best young players in the NBA. During his rookie season, he had already shined and became one of the popular candidates for the sixth man of the year. This season, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, shooting 45.8% from the field and 34.0% from three-point shooting. He made an indelible contribution to the Pacers' Eastern Conference Finals this season. The Lakers can consider replacing Reeves with him, mainly because he is younger and has better physical conditions.

2. The Philadelphia 76ers' Quentin Grimes

Los Angeles Lakers won: Quentin Grimes

Philadelphia 76ers won: Jared Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2025 No. 55th overall pick, 2031 first-round pick

Lakers replaced four with one, will they win Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers? It doesn't look very cost-effective, he played 28 games with the Sixers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Although he is only 25 years old, he looks good. However, Dalton Knecht is only 24 years old. If he is given a chance, he can also play close data. For the 76ers, this deal is favorable, but for the Lakers, it is very bad.

3. Zhu Holiday

Los Angeles Lakers won: Zhu Holiday

Boston Celtics won: Hachimura Less, Vincent, after 2028 first-round draft pick swaps

Zhu Holiday has also become a hot commodity after helping the Celtics win the championship, and the Celtics also gave him a good contract extension. However, after experiencing a playoff loss in the 2024-25 season, the Celtics may plan to send him away, mainly because the team's luxury tax will be too high next season. 34-year-old Zhu Holiday has won two championships in the past five years, and has a combination of offense and defense, so the Lakers are inevitably jealous of them. 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the 2024-25 season. However, the Lakers are really unlikely to consider the annual salary of $32 million next season.

4. Nickel Alexander Walker

Los Angeles Lakers won: Nickel Alexander Walker

Minnesota Timberwolves won: Jarrard Vanderbilt, Sheck Milton

Nickel Alexander Walker is one of the best 3D players in the NBA, with an offense and defense, averaging 9 points per game this season. There are still not enough opportunities to perform in the Timberwolves. He has good three-point shooting ability and has a 38.1% three-point shooting percentage this season. However, he is only 26 years old and still has some potential to tap.

5. Washington Wizards' Smart

Los Angeles Lakers won: Smart

Washington Wizards won: Jared Vanderbilt, MaxikleBell, 2028 first-round draft pick exchange

Washington Wizards' point guard Smart, whose contract is about to expire. As the best defensive player of the year before, the Lakers can actually consider winning, after all, his three-point shooting percentage this season has reached 39.2%, averaging 9.3 points and 2.5 assists. His defensive attitude and enthusiasm are what the Lakers want. Moreover, he can do dirty and tiring work. To be honest, his annual salary this season is as high as $30 million, which is really not suitable for now. Jared Vanderbilt is more cost-effective and can defend multiple positions.