Austin Reaves is a center that the Los Angeles Lakers need, but they will only trade him for one of the top players in the league.

In the ever-shifting landscape of the NBA, player value often transcends box score statistics and traditional positions. Teams are built not just on talent but on chemistry, versatility, basketball IQ, and fit within a broader system. For the Los Angeles Lakers, few players embody that multi-dimensional value quite like Austin Reaves. Despite not being a traditional “center” in the paint-dominating, 7-foot-tall rim protector mold, Reaves has become the centerpiece of the Lakers’ backcourt and a foundational pillar in their future aspirations.

So, while Reaves is technically a guard, he is metaphorically the “center” of what the Lakers are trying to build: a bridge between eras, a steady contributor in turbulent times, and a player whose game complements stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis without overshadowing them. As such, while Reaves has undeniable trade value, the Lakers are unlikely to part with him unless a top-tier superstar is offered in return.

To understand Reaves’ importance to the Lakers, we must first appreciate his journey. Undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2021, Reaves entered the league with modest expectations. The Lakers, searching for youthful energy and backcourt consistency, signed him to a two-way contract—one that would soon look like a steal. By the end of his rookie season, Reaves had secured a standard NBA contract and started making waves with his high-efficiency shooting, clutch performances, and poised demeanor.

His breakout came in the 2022–2023 season. Playing alongside some of the game’s biggest names, Reaves carved out a niche as a reliable secondary playmaker and perimeter defender. He averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting over 52% from the field and nearly 40% from three—a rare combination of efficiency and adaptability.

Reaves became even more crucial during the Lakers’ playoff push that year. In the 2023 postseason, he averaged 16.9 points per game and hit several clutch shots, helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals. His poise in high-pressure situations earned him the trust of the coaching staff and the admiration of veterans, especially LeBron James, who often praised Reaves’ basketball IQ and decision-making.

What separates Reaves from the typical role player is his versatility and feel for the game. He can initiate offense, work off the ball, defend multiple positions, and adapt to different lineup configurations. He is particularly adept at playing alongside stars—something that not all role players can manage. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective, yet when called upon, he can create offense, both for himself and his teammates.

This makes Reaves a critical part of the Lakers’ ecosystem. His ability to fill in the gaps—whether it’s hitting open threes, making smart passes, drawing fouls, or stepping up defensively—adds a layer of consistency that the often-inconsistent Lakers desperately need. In many ways, he is the kind of glue guy that championship teams are built around.

His basketball intelligence is another reason why he’s considered so indispensable. Reaves is rarely out of position, makes smart reads, and understands spacing in a way that enhances the performance of those around him. These are qualities that don’t always show up in highlight reels but win games when it matters most.

LeBron James has played with many talented guards throughout his storied career, but he seems to have a unique rapport with Reaves. Perhaps it’s because Reaves reminds LeBron of himself—underrated, cerebral, and fundamentally sound. LeBron has consistently vouched for Reaves, both on and off the court. This endorsement carries weight within the Lakers’ front office and with the coaching staff.

LeBron’s presence also demands teammates who can think quickly and execute efficiently. He values players who make the right play over the flashy one, who defend with purpose, and who maintain composure under pressure. Reaves checks all those boxes, which is why he often closes games and is trusted in crunch time.

Another element that amplifies Reaves’ value is his contract. In the 2023 offseason, Reaves signed a 4-year, $56 million deal with the Lakers—well below what he might have fetched in an open market devoid of salary cap constraints. This team-friendly deal provides the Lakers with tremendous flexibility. They’re essentially getting a near-All-Star level contributor at the price of a mid-level exception.

In today’s NBA, where cap space is king and max contracts fill rosters quickly, having a high-impact player on a reasonable deal is a massive asset. It allows teams to build around their stars without compromising depth. The Lakers can retain Reaves and still pursue other stars via trade or free agency, which is a significant advantage for a team constantly aiming for title contention.

Despite his value, Reaves has inevitably been included in trade rumors. That’s the nature of the business, especially when your team is as aggressive in pursuing championships as the Lakers. His name has been linked to potential trades for stars like Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, or even Kyrie Irving. But there’s a common thread in all these hypothetical deals: the Lakers would only part with Reaves for an elite, top-10 caliber player.

Why? Because any player coming in must not only outperform Reaves statistically but also replicate his intangibles, chemistry, and cost efficiency. That’s a tall order. Few players offer the same blend of production, maturity, and fit—especially on a non-max contract.

Reaves is not untouchable, but he’s close. The Lakers’ front office knows that trading him for marginal upgrades or risky bets could backfire spectacularly. Unless the return is a certified franchise-changer, they’re better off holding onto their homegrown gem.

In NBA circles, the term “untouchable” is reserved for superstars, rising phenoms, or players who perfectly fit a team’s identity. Reaves, while not quite at the superstar level, checks many of the other boxes. He’s young (only 26), continues to improve each season, and fits the Lakers’ win-now and win-later timeline.

In essence, Reaves is the type of player championship contenders don’t trade unless the return is a game-breaking, top-tier name. That puts him in the rare company of players whose trade value far exceeds their individual stat line. He’s a foundational piece—and the Lakers know it.

That question is no longer hyperbolic. Reaves’ development trajectory suggests that an All-Star nod isn’t out of the question. He’s already a consistent 15–18 point-per-game scorer who shoots efficiently and defends well. If he takes another leap—whether it’s improving his playmaking or becoming a more dominant scorer—he could garner serious All-Star consideration, especially if the Lakers are winning.

Moreover, his popularity among fans is growing. Reaves has a strong social media following, a compelling underdog story, and is part of one of the league’s most visible franchises. These factors matter in All-Star voting.

Reaves also brings cultural value to the Lakers. He represents the success of scouting and player development in an organization often criticized for prioritizing big-name acquisitions over organic growth. His rise serves as proof that the Lakers can nurture talent, not just acquire it.

He’s become a fan favorite—cheered not just for his production but for the grit and passion he brings every night. In a league increasingly dominated by transactional thinking, Reaves is a reminder of the power of continuity and internal development.

The Lakers are perpetually in win-now mode. With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career and Anthony Davis in his prime, every season is a title-or-bust proposition. That means the front office must always weigh the short-term benefits of star trades against long-term consequences.

In this balancing act, Austin Reaves is the perfect “center” piece—not because of his height or position, but because of his central role in the team’s structure, identity, and future. The Lakers would be foolish to trade him unless it was for a transformative superstar—someone who can elevate them from playoff contenders to championship favorites.

Until that player becomes available—and until the cost makes sense—the Lakers are best served by holding tight to Reaves. In a league where star power often overshadows substance, Reaves is a rare blend of both. And that’s exactly the kind of player you don’t trade… unless it’s for a king.