As a Chicago-based NBA analyst, I break down Bleacher Report's bold 3-team trade proposal sending Austin Reaves to New Orleans and Nic Claxton to the Lakers. We'll examine how this deal could solve roster imbalances for all parties while analyzing the statistical fit of each piece. From Zion's need for playmaking help to LA's desperate hunt for rim protection, this simulated trade offers fascinating what-if scenarios for the 2025 offseason.

In a candid interview with Lakers Nation, Austin Reaves opened up about his underwhelming performance in the first round of the playoffs against the Timberwolves. The Lakers guard admitted he struggled with Minnesota's defensive schemes, particularly their aggressive switching. As a data analyst who's crunched numbers on every pick-and-roll this postseason, I'll break down where Reaves faltered - and why there's reason for optimism moving forward.