Lakers Reluctantly Consider Trading Austin Reaves to Land Elite Big Man as LeBron and Luka Push for Title Run

The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads. With the powerful duo of LeBron James and newly acquired Luka Dončić now anchoring their roster, the franchise is fully committed to a championship-or-bust mentality for the 2025-26 NBA season. But as dominant as the pairing looks on paper, one piece is still glaringly absent: a high-level, versatile big man who can anchor the paint and complement the superstar backcourt.

The search for that player continues. And while the Lakers’ front office has made a number of phone calls, inquiries, and internal evaluations, there’s a growing realization that getting the right big man won’t come cheap.

In fact, it might cost them Austin Reaves.

That sentence alone is enough to send shivers down the spine of Lakers Nation. Reaves has become something of a fan-favorite and cult hero in Los Angeles, his gritty rise from undrafted free agent to crucial rotational piece and then legitimate NBA starter capturing hearts across the league. He’s been a glue guy, a steady hand in chaotic moments, and a player whose value extends far beyond the stat sheet.

Yet in a league where premium size and switchable defense can make or break playoff series, the Lakers are under pressure to make aggressive moves—and Reaves might be their most appealing trade chip.

According to FS1’s Nick Wright, the bar for value has been set high in recent transactions. “If Desmond Bane’s worth four first-round picks,” Wright asked, “is Austin Reaves worth three and a half first-round picks?” It’s a fair question. Reaves isn’t just a good player—he’s a great value on a relatively team-friendly contract, and he continues to grow. Each season he’s added more to his offensive game, tightened his handle, and developed into a reliable perimeter defender who can guard 1-3.

He’s not flashy. But he’s efficient. Smart. Coachable. And undeniably effective.

And that’s precisely why teams around the league are calling.

Reaves’ name has surfaced in rumored discussions with teams like the Nets, Raptors, and Bulls—franchises with high-level big men who might be ready for a rebuild or retooling phase. The targets? Names like Nic Claxton, Jarrett Allen, and even Pascal Siakam have been thrown around in speculative trade frameworks. While not all rumors hold weight, the underlying theme is clear: the Lakers are shopping for size, and Reaves is one of the few core assets that could entice other teams into meaningful negotiations.

Still, trading Reaves would represent a seismic shift. He’s the embodiment of the kind of player championship teams typically hold on to—a steady contributor who knows his role and never tries to do too much. His connection with LeBron has been well-documented, and his ability to run the second unit or finish games as a clutch shot-maker makes him irreplaceable in many eyes.

So the idea of moving him for “just” three first-round picks—or even in a package deal—raises an obvious question: What’s the right return for a player like Austin Reaves?

To some, no realistic return is sufficient. “If the Lakers ever decide to trade him,” one fan tweeted, “it better be for a blockbuster return. Nothing less.” That sentiment is echoed widely across Lakers social media circles, where Reaves’ jersey has become a top seller and his underdog story resonates deeply with the city’s blue-collar identity.

But from a business standpoint, the Lakers can’t afford to let emotion override logic. This is LeBron’s twilight. Luka’s championship window is now. And the Lakers’ championship odds could hinge on their ability to defend the rim, secure rebounds, and outmuscle teams in seven-game playoff wars.

As brilliant as Reaves is, he doesn’t provide that inside presence. He doesn’t erase shots at the rim. He doesn’t command double-teams on the block. And while his shooting and IQ elevate any offense, the Lakers already have a surplus of perimeter creators in LeBron, Luka, and D’Angelo Russell (if retained). What they don’t have is a reliable big who can guard Nikola Jokić, battle Anthony Davis in practice (should he stay), or match up with Joel Embiid if needed.

So here’s where things stand: the Lakers are weighing offers, but they’re in no rush. According to insiders close to the team, Rob Pelinka and the front office have placed a premium on any conversation involving Reaves. No deal will be done unless it includes either a proven All-Star big man or a promising young center plus draft capital. In other words, they know what they have.

And they won’t give it away lightly.

There’s also the PR aspect to consider. Letting go of Reaves—especially without a major name in return—would draw criticism. It would also risk disrupting team chemistry, which has been one of Reaves’ greatest contributions behind the scenes. Coaches rave about his attitude. Teammates trust him. He’s never the loudest in the room, but his presence is always felt.

So what’s the path forward?

Option one: the Lakers keep Reaves and hope to find a cheaper or undervalued big man elsewhere on the market, potentially through the draft or a mid-season trade.

Option two: they pull the trigger and move Reaves in a blockbuster deal, betting that the addition of a defensive anchor gives them enough firepower to make a run in a loaded Western Conference.

Option three: they use Reaves as leverage in a multi-team deal to increase the return while preserving flexibility.

Regardless of which option they choose, one thing is clear—the Lakers are thinking big. Literally and figuratively.

And if Austin Reaves is the key to unlocking their next championship roster, the cost will have to match the vision.

Anything less would be a disservice to Reaves, the front office, and a fanbase desperate to raise one more banner in the LeBron era.