“What is Austin Reaves worth?”: Lakers fans ponder Luka Doncic’s teammate’s worth after Desmond Bane fetches 4 first-round picks 

With Desmond Bane fetching four unprotected first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies, questions surrounding Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ trade value have emerged. Reaves outplayed Bane last year, including the NBA Playoffs. Luka Doncic’s backcourt partner averaged a career-high 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 46.0% shooting, including 37.7% from 3.

Meanwhile, Bane scored 19.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 5.3 apg, shooting 48.4%, including 39.2% from 3. Despite leading Memphis’ offense for significant stretches, Bane couldn’t improve his production. Meanwhile, Reaves primarily played in a similar role as Bane, sometimes even taking charge of the offense with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Anthony Davis around.

The conversations surrounding Reaves and his market value have taken a significant hit after he didn’t find much success in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 3.6 apg on 41/32/86 splits against the Timberwolves in five games.

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However, Bane was even worse against the Thunder. The Magic's new point guard tallied 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.3 apg on 32/22/93 splits. With Reaves being better at the two players' ceiling and floor, Lakers fans wondered if he could fetch the same value in a trade with a team that could benefit immensely from his services.

Here are the reactions surrounding Austin Reaves' value that followed after Desmond Bane's trade:

🎗NBA•Fan🎗

@Klutch_23

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If Desmond Bane is worth four first round pick, what is Austin Reaves worth? He’s on the same tier as a Bane. LA should consider it if they can get 4-5 firsts for Reaves.

Jay 🇯🇲🎋🥀

@JayTTheMan15

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We'd probably get 3 FRPs for Austin at most but honestly that would be enough to make a huge difference for us

LakersSpin

@LakersSpin

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Teams are giving up 4 1sts for Desmond Bane and yall were trying to trade Austin Reaves for a backup center 💀

ADHD

@ADHDGoat

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Austin Reaves price just massively increased

🦉 Lakers Vino

@VinoUncorked

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If I’m the Lakers I’m seriously considering moving Austin Reaves if that’s the price of Desmond Bane.

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Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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