The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking like a potential NBA Finals contender in recent weeks. Unfortunately, some bad news hit the team on Thursday when Luka Doncic went down with what could be a serious hamstring strain.
Doncic could be forced out of game action for weeks. If that is the case, his status for the playoffs could be in jeopardy.
With that being said, there have been no firm updates about a potential return timeline for Doncic. All eyes are on the upcoming playoffs, but the Lakers are also facing major questions related to the upcoming NBA offseason.
Austin Reaves is set to become a free agent this offseason. Los Angeles would like to bring him back, but he isn’t going to come cheap. The Lakers find themselves at a crossroads about the long-term future of their franchise.
Keeping that in mind, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins spoke out with a concerning outlook for Los Angeles and Doncic.
Kendrick Perkins Offers Reason for Concern About Lakers’ Future
During a recent segment of “NBA Today,” Perkins revealed that he doesn’t think the pairing of Doncic and Reaves is a recipe for long-term success for the Lakers.
“Is Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves two guys that you build around that’s gonna take you to the promised land? In my opinion, it’s no,” Perkins said bluntly.
Rumors have suggested that Reaves is in line to receive a deal worth around $241 to $246 million over the course of five years. Giving any player that kind of money is as big of an investment as it gets.
Signing Reaves to that kind of deal could take Los Angeles out of the running for other superstars. Giannis Antetokounmpo would be much more difficult to acquire to pair alongside of Doncic.
Having two dynamic back-court scorers is always intriguing. However, in many cases, that setup has not led to championships.
Taking a Closer Look at the Doncic-Reaves Connection
So far this season, Doncic has played in 64 games. He has averaged 33.5 points per game to go along with 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from three-point distance.
As for Reaves, the 27-year-old guard has averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 51 games and 45 starts. He has connected on 49 percent of his overall shots and knocked down 36 percent of his three-point attempts.
Both players bring a similar skill-set to the court. They are both better with the basketball in their hands. Is that truly the duo that the Lakers want leading the way?
Only time will tell, but a big decision is looming about Reaves’ future. Los Angeles and Rob Pelinka will need to make that decision soon.
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