Lakers Rumors: Austin Reaves Valued More by LA over D'Angelo Russell amid Trade Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers could potentially be trading a member of the starting five before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

That possible trade is more likely to involve D'Angelo Russell than Austin Reaves, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported.

The news comes after Buha reported last week that the Lakers were pursuing trading Russell for Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

The Lakers "ultimately value Reaves over Russell," according to Buha.

"Russell's heater hasn't changed that reality, according to team sources," Buha wrote.

After averaging 14.7 points through his 35 games of the season, Russell has increased his production to 27.4 points per game in the Lakers' last seven contests.

Buha reported the Hawks asked for Reaves in exchange for Murray. The Lakers consider that a "nonstarter," according to Buha.

"Reaves isn't technically untouchable, but he's close," Buha wrote.

The reason the Lakers are so eager to move Russell and hold onto Reaves hinges in part on the two players' deals.

After the 2023-24 campaign, Russell has just one year left on an $18.7 million player option before he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

The Lakers have a more secure hold on Reaves, who is first year of a relatively affordable four-year deal. His cap hit of just over $12 million for the Lakers is well worth it for a player who has been able to stay healthy while putting up 15.0 points and 5.2 assists per night.

Los Angeles is set for a busy few weeks as the team makes prepares to make a final decision on Russell and play six more games, all while fighting to stay above .500, before the trade deadline.