“For the Lakers, acquiring veterans like George and Gordon fits LeBron James’ win-now mentality. George could potentially revive his career as the team’s third option, while Gordon adds scoring depth off the bench,” wrote Colin Keane.
Keane also noted that the third overall pick could be a long-term cornerstone for the Lakers, potentially allowing them to draft a future co-star for Luka Dončić once LeBron retires. On the Sixers’ side, adding Reaves would give them a versatile guard to pair with Maxey or McCain, while Knecht, Finney-Smith, and Hachimura would boost their depth and roster flexibility.
Would the Lakers Trade Austin Reaves?
It’s hard to see the Lakers turning down this kind of offer. While players like Reaves, Hachimura, and Finney-Smith were solid contributors last season—and Reaves, in particular, shows real promise—bringing in Paul George and the No. 3 pick could be too good to pass up.
With Dončić now in the fold, the Lakers may be shifting toward building for the future as well as trying to win now. Drafting someone like Ace Bailey could provide them a player to grow with the franchise for years to come.
Will the Sixers Trade Their Top Pick?
Trading the No. 3 pick isn’t out of the question for Philadelphia. While the deal could benefit the Lakers, the proposed return may not be enticing enough for the Sixers to bite.
ESPN draft insider Jonathan Givony reported that some teams think the Sixers could look to move the pick, potentially in a deal for stars like Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen—possibly packaged with Paul George.
“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade talks, targeting players like Durant or Markkanen in deals that could include George and the No. 3 pick,” Givony noted. “While team president Daryl Morey is known for making aggressive moves, trading a top-three pick remains a rare occurrence.”
Ultimately, Durant and Markkanen offer more value than what the Lakers are putting on the table.
Though George had a difficult first season with the Sixers, he’s still an elite talent and a future Hall of Famer. Provided he stays healthy, he’s expected to rebound and perform at a higher level next season.
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