The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in a familiar spot: searching for a starting center in an effort to bolster their roster. This need has intensified following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ recent exit from the Western Conference Finals, raising questions about the future of their center, Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves, known for making bold moves in the past — like their high-profile trade involving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, which involved Karl-Anthony Towns — are now at a crossroads that could potentially see them part ways with Gobert.
For the Lakers, Gobert emerges as a standout option in their quest for a center upgrade. However, acquiring him may require the sacrifice of Austin Reaves, who has been a bright spot for Los Angeles after a breakout season. Moving Reaves wouldn’t be an easy decision, especially with the momentum he gained during the year, averaging impressive numbers that highlight his development into a promising young player.
Looking at a possible trade scenario, the Lakers could offer a package that includes Reaves, along with Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, in exchange for Gobert and Josh Minott. This trade reflects the urgency for LA to solidify their frontcourt and enhance their competitiveness in a league where size and defense often dictate success.
The Lakers’ previous trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic proved to be a real game-changer. Doncic is poised to become a generational talent, while Davis has struggled with injuries and is arguably past his prime. However, this deal stripped LA of critical center depth, forcing them to rely on players like Jaxson Hayes and even swinging forwards like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt into the center spot during the playoffs. That strategy ultimately fell short, leading to an early exit against the Timberwolves.
Engaging in negotiations with a team that recently eliminated them in the playoffs won’t be a walk in the park, but the Lakers may feel they have no choice. Maximizing LeBron James’ remaining time is paramount, especially alongside a star like Doncic.
Gobert’s skill set is an interesting mix. While he remains a top-tier defensive presence — evidenced by his multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards — his offensive game has seen a noticeable decline. His average of just 1.4 blocks per game this past season ties for his worst since his rookie year. He’s limited offensively, particularly in post-ups, ball handling, and shooting. Nevertheless, the value he brings as a fierce rim protector can’t be overlooked, and the Lakers certainly need someone who can dominate in the paint and clean the boards.
Despite the potential benefits, parting with Reaves would be a tough call for the Lakers. The former undrafted guard contributed an impressive 20.2 points per game last season and has shown signs of his ascending trajectory — arguably making him a more valuable asset at this point than Gobert.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves are faced with their own challenges after being halted in the postseason two years in a row. They may be on the brink of a significant reshuffle, especially considering impending free agency for players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid, who might seek greener pastures outside of Minnesota. Trading Gobert could potentially ease the cap space necessary to retain one or both of these players.
Additionally, this proposed trade would create room in the starting lineup, allowing the Timberwolves to integrate Reaves, who, although primarily a shooting guard, has the potential to facilitate playmaking duties alongside Anthony Edwards. The chemistry between Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and possibly Alexander-Walker could evolve substantially with a player like Reaves in the mix.
While moving a star like Gobert for the second consecutive offseason may seem too risky for some, the Timberwolves’ defense has strong potential to adapt. With elite defenders already on the roster, they could maintain their defensive strength even in Gobert’s absence.
Ultimately, the Lakers may have made sacrifices in pursuit of Doncic, but that deal has positioned them for long-term success. If the Timberwolves view the potential acquisition of someone like Reaves as a game-changing move, they might be willing to explore this path, potentially setting themselves up for a deeper playoff run next season. The stakes are high, and both teams face pivotal moments that could reshape their rosters for years to come.
