How Austin Reaves may stop the Lakers from getting De’Aaron Fox

The Lakers aren’t one of De’Aaron Fox’s target destinations, and that may come down to how much the team values Austin Reaves.

It’s rare when a top name hits the trade market and the Lakers are not mentioned in the least. It’s even rarer when that player is a Klutch Sports client.

But despite multiple days having passed since the Kings reportedly started seriously listening to offers for the All-Star guard, there hasn’t even been a whisper of the Lakers.

There is logic as to why they haven’t been mentioned, but logic has never been a deterring factor in mentioning the Lakers with stars in trades.

However, this time around, there might actually be a legitimate reason that Fox to the Lakers never became a thing. According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Rich Paul’s knowledge of the Lakers and how much they value Austin Reaves deterred any talks between the two teams.

Among the reasons why the Lakers are not Fox’s preferred destination: Klutch has direct knowledge of many Lakers dealings thanks to its representation of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Which means Klutch knows, as sources tell The Stein Line, that the Lakers have zero intention of parting with Sacramento’s presumed top target in any Fox discussions: Austin Reaves.

Honestly, that’s a fair assessment both by Paul and the Lakers. Sure, in a one-for-one swap, you’d take Fox over Reaves. But the package the Kings would want along with Reaves is not one the Lakers would consider.

This also comes at a time when Reaves is improving to yet another level. That’s not to say he’s as good as Fox is, but considering the contract he’s on, he’s a great value deal right now. The Lakers are going to be extremely hesitant to move on from him, as has been the case throughout the years.

Is Fox the type of player you trade him for? It’s much closer than when the Hawks were asking for Reaves in a trade for Dejounte Murray, to say the least.

If it isn’t Fox, then that must be pretty close to the caliber of player. But if Paul is so confident that he’s not even engaging with the Lakers, then it must be pretty clear they don’t intend on moving him.

Is it the right move? If Reaves continues on his trajectory of taking a step forward each season, then the gap is only going to continue to close.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.