JJ Redick tightens the screw as the Lakers move inches closer to the trade deadline. While the team has already eased themselves, getting rid of D’Angelo Russell, the rising star, Austin Reaves has now propelled himself into the spotlight. Undoubtedly, HillBilly Kobe is one of the consistent players on the LA roster, and fans widely consider him the third star on the team. Despite that, the 26-year-old’s spot isn’t safe on the team. JJ pointed out Reaves’ major flaw amid the rumors surrounding a flashy trade.

Following the emphatic win over the Heat, the team geared up for the Nets challenge for tomorrow. At that time, Coach JJ engaged in a small meeting with the reporters, taking up questions. At that time, a reporter asked about AR’s position post the D’Lo trade. Redick dropped massive praise before shutting it down with major criticism.

“He has a daring mentality… when he’s played the right way… is a primary creator, and taking the right shot, made the right passes, I’ll be honest with you, he’s played an all-star level,” said JJ Redick before criticizing Austin Reaves. The star coach said, “It’s when the game kind of goes sideways… it’s like you can’t get out of character. You can’t then decide, I’m going to take bad shots, because I haven’t had a shot in a while. I’m going to make that pass. Our team needs you to play the right way every time that he’s done that.”

While it seems like advice to correct AR’s flaw, a recent rumor turned it into a trade warning. Lakers Central, a YouTube channel with over 12k subscribers, dropped a rumor stating that the Lakers were eyeing to rope in the $163 million worth of De’Aaron Fox for Austin Reaves. As the Lakers struggle to pull off one impactful trade in the last few seasons, will this be a jackpot?

Can JJ Redick & Co. capitalize on Fox’s turbulent phase with the Kings?

Over the last few weeks, De’Aaron Fox clarified that he was actively thinking about his future. The star guard, in the last year of his 5-year $163 million contract, turned down a four-year extension. The Kings‘ proposal meant that the star would receive a 3-year $165 million max contract.

So, it’s very clear that the star is looking for more than just the contract value. Recently appearing in Draymond Green‘s podcast, he raised an important question at the Kings’ front office. Fox said, “For me, man, it has all to do with the team, the organization, where are we going?… Are we looking like we’re continuing to get better year after year, and are we going to be able to compete at a high level?”

The Kings certainly haven’t improved this season despite the blockbuster trade involving DeMar DeRozan in the 2024 off-season. So, the star’s future with the Kings’ is undoubtedly bleak, and the Lakers have the golden opportunity to cash in on it. Considering the star’s recent dismissal of the 4-year extension, the LA side may have to pay more. Maybe some assets along with Austin Reaves. Is it the right call to trade out a player after developing him from scratch? Let us know in the comments.