Serious injury strikes! Farewell, Lakers! The countdown to the breakup of the Big Three begins.

Lakers official statement:Reeves has sustained a grade 2 strain in his left calf gastrocnemius muscle, with a follow-up check planned in approximately four weeks.

It’s worth mentioning that on the 13th of this month, Reeves had a slight left calf strain but only missed three games before returning. Yet after playing just two more games, he suffered the above-mentioned grade 2 strain... truly, impatience leads to setbacks.

Up to now this season, Reeves averages 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1 steal per game, shooting 50.7% from the field. Next summer, after he declines his player option to enter free agency early, he will be eligible to sign a maximum five-year contract worth around $240 million with the Lakers, or alternatively, sign a maximum four-year deal worth about $178.5 million with another team.

NBA reporter LwaMurray tweeted a reminder: “Doncic was also injured during the Christmas game and was traded to the Lakers by the Mavericks 39 days later.”

In any case, one must admit it’s hard for the Lakers to risk losing Reeves for nothing next summer, so before the trade deadline this season (February 6th, Beijing time), we might witness another blockbuster trade.

Of course, while being traded can be emotionally difficult, it’s not always negative. For example, if Reeves moves to a new team, he could enjoy a guaranteed leading role and a much higher chance of earning a max contract, which matters more to him than championships or the Lakers’ purple-and-gold legacy.

Not only Reeves, but LeBron James, who is 41 and also on a contract year this season, might leave the Lakers next year. This veteran still delivers comprehensive stats of 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game with a 48.5% shooting rate, but unfortunately, his age is a limiting factor.

Frankly speaking, among the Lakers’ current Big Three and all players, only Doncic is secure; the rest could become sacrificial pieces for future rebuilding. The NBA is a business league where interests always come first, and everyone knows this well.

Cherish the moment, because you might wake up one day, habitually check basketball news, and find that everything has changed overnight.

“All the hustle and bustle in the world is for profit; all the comings and goings are for gain.”