The Lakers sent Rivers to the Spurs before it was too late

According to F/W contributor Sidant Gupta, Lakers defender Reeves is regarded as one of the most valuable players on the team's roster. When considering his ability to influence the game with his versatile scoring and organizational skills, the Lakers consider the defender to be a piece of pawn in the future. Unfortunately, the team could be at risk of losing him next summer. After Reeves refused to renew his contract this offseason, it was clear that he planned to reject his player options in search of a new contract.

Recent reports suggest that the 27-year-old may be seeking about $35 million a year in his new contract. Although the Purple Gold Legion intends to keep him, this number may prove to be too expensive. At this point, the Spurs have become the front-runner to signing Reeves in case he tests the free agent market next summer. Given Reeves' growing value, it would be unwise for the Lakers to let him leave in vain next summer. So to make the most of his contract, we looked at a deal proposal that would give Los Angeles something meaningful in exchange for its star.

Lakers won: Sohan, Champany, 2027 Hawks first-round draft pick, 2029 first-round draft pick

Spurs won: Reeves

Here we focus on how this deal will gain the impact of the Lakers in the medium and long term.

's replacement of Reeves may prove to be a challenge. But considering the arrival of Sohan, Champany and two first-round picks (2027 and 2029), the Lakers may see the benefits ahead. With a solid rotation, the Lakers may seek to strengthen their substitute depth. At this point, it may be beneficial to acquire Sohan and Chan Pani.

Sohan has established himself as a capable outside defender, with rebounding and athleticism. When also considering his ever-improving three-point shooting skills, the forward can develop into a reliable rotation player to increase the contribution of the bench. Last season, Sohan averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, shooting 53.5% from the field and 30.8% from three-point shooting percentage. Given his potential to be an offensive point defender in the second team, Los Angeles can see the value of acquiring him.

At the same time, Champany has shown his potential as a two-way player. As a capable help and a weak side defender’s flash point. Last season, Champany showed an advantage as a 3D player, averaging 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 9.9 minutes, shooting 41.5% from the field and 37.1% from three-pointers, demonstrating the offensive contribution from the substitute. Both forwards signed relatively low-cost contracts for a total of about $10 million. The Lakers will clear $3.9 million from the maximum salary this season (after deducting Reeves’ $13.9 million outing salary) to enable them to seek more free agent signings, while also gaining two first-rounders who can act as assets in future deals. In addition, the contract of Sohan and Shangpani is about to expire, which can also be used as a secondary trading chip. The team pursues star players with enough chips and ensures sufficient future reconstruction capital. What do you think?