The Los Angeles Lakers realized that getting Luka Doncic boosted their playmaking, but that leaves a void under the basket. Having traded away their strong post presence, the team's absence of an actual center bit them in the postseason.

Their defense fell apart against the Minnesota Timberwolves and led to a quick 4-1 Round 1 elimination. With glaring holes laid bare, the Lakers' front office is looking for a good center to clear the problem.

Defensive Collapse Exposes Roster Flaws

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Unlikely to Trade Reaves Even For NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Unlikely to Trade Reaves Even For
Harry How/Getty Images

With Davis out of the team, the Lakers did not have an elite rim protector and interior force. The Timberwolves exploited this to the fullest in the playoffs, bullied their way into the paint, and overpowered the Lakers in the post. The 4-1 series defeat validated the fear of analysts—the team roster was deficient and exposed without a dominant big man leading the defense.

Lakers Targeting Claxton or Gafford, But Not at Reaves' Expense

According to SportsTak, the Lakers are seeking out trade possibilities, but they won't give up one piece above all others: Austin Reaves, said Dan Woike, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times.

"The team has shown no interest in using Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big, and there really aren't any of those available, with the two most common names linked to them in the earliest stages of the offseason — Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Dallas' Daniel Gafford."

Although both centers can replace the void, they are not elite enough for the Lakers to trade Reaves, who is perhaps their breakout star of the season.

Reaves' Stock on the Rise Makes Him Off-Bound

Austin Reaves' breakout season makes him a valuable piece for the Lakers to build with in the future. The 26-year-old put up 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and shot an impressive 46% from the field, 38% from beyond three, and 88% at the free-throw line. He became part of a short list—Darius Garland and Jamal Murray, that features only a few players who scored 20+ points and 5+ assists with these decent shooting splits.

With such assets, it's not surprising the Lakers are not keen on trading Reaves unless they get a top-center talent as part of a package.

If the Lakers are to acquire Claxton or Gafford without sacrificing Reaves, they will need to rely on their future draft assets. That also goes to Jarrett Allen, who is rumored to be linked in a Lakers trade.

Reaves could also find a home in the Spurs, but what San Antonio will give up to the young guard is still not known.