REPORT: Only top-tier big men like Walker Kessler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Daniel Gafford, and Steven Adams will be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers for Austin Reaves.Sure! Here’s a full 2000-word article draft on that topic:

In a league that never sleeps, NBA front offices are constantly weighing risk, reward, and long-term fit. For the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise that has rarely shied away from bold decisions, recent reports suggest they are placing an exceptionally high value on combo guard Austin Reaves. According to multiple NBA insiders, the Lakers would only consider trading Reaves in a deal that lands them a truly elite big man — the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Walker Kessler, Daniel Gafford, or Steven Adams.

The report has turned heads across the NBA landscape and reignited debate over Reaves’ true value, the Lakers’ current roster strategy, and how realistic it is for any of those names — particularly MVP-caliber talent like Giannis — to end up in purple and gold. This isn’t just about player movement; it’s about the direction of the Lakers franchise post-LeBron, the evolution of roster construction, and the growing influence of Austin Reaves within the Lakers organization.

When Austin Reaves went undrafted in 2021, few predicted he would become a cornerstone of one of the most storied franchises in sports. But in just three seasons, Reaves has gone from a developmental afterthought to a vital cog in the Lakers’ backcourt. His high basketball IQ, ability to play both guard spots, perimeter shooting, and willingness to defend have endeared him to coaches and teammates alike.

His rise was perhaps best encapsulated during the 2023 playoffs, where he averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting over 44% from the field. He was one of the few bright spots in the Lakers’ Western Conference Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets and quickly earned himself a four-year, $56 million contract.

But his value to the Lakers goes beyond the box score. Reaves is seen internally as someone who understands the game at a deep level, can play next to either LeBron James or Anthony Davis, and — crucially — could be a long-term foundational piece in a post-LeBron world.

So when trade talks are entertained, the Lakers are drawing a hard line: only elite, difference-making bigs will get them to even pick up the phone.

The list of names floated alongside Reaves trade rumors is telling: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Daniel Gafford, Walker Kessler, and Steven Adams. Each of these players represents a different profile — from MVP to elite rim protector — but they all share a common thread: they are known for their physical dominance, defensive prowess, and rebounding ability.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Giannis is the ultimate fantasy trade for every franchise. The 2021 NBA Champion, two-time MVP, and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate is arguably one of the top three players in the world. The notion that the Milwaukee Bucks would trade Giannis — even for a package that includes Reaves and future picks — seems far-fetched.

However, with Milwaukee aging around him, and with questions about long-term chemistry with Damian Lillard, league executives aren’t completely ruling out future turmoil. Should Giannis request a trade at some point — much like Kevin Durant or Anthony Davis did in years past — the Lakers would be among the first suitors, and they’d include Reaves in such a blockbuster. But make no mistake: this would be a franchise-altering deal that extends far beyond just one-for-one value.

More realistic is a trade involving Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler, one of the NBA’s most efficient and impactful young rim protectors. Kessler, 7-foot-1 with elite timing and verticality, averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game as a rookie — and those numbers only climbed with more minutes.

He’s widely viewed as a future All-Defensive Team candidate and the type of player who doesn’t require the ball to impact the game. For a Lakers team built around usage-heavy stars like LeBron and AD, Kessler could theoretically provide vertical spacing, rim protection, and interior toughness — all at a rookie-scale contract.

But Utah has high hopes for Kessler and isn’t in a rush to part ways with him. The Lakers would have to include more than just Reaves to pry him loose, but the fact he’s even being mentioned shows how selective LA is being in any Reaves-related discussions.

Gafford, the 6-foot-10 center for the Dallas Mavericks (recently acquired from Washington), is another intriguing possibility. His impact in the second half of the 2024–25 season has been undeniable. He gives Dallas rim-running, shot-blocking, and surprising versatility in defending the pick-and-roll.

Gafford may not have the household name status of Giannis, but his impact metrics — especially in advanced analytics like Defensive Box Plus-Minus and rim deterrence — put him among the league’s top interior defenders. For the Lakers, his relatively reasonable contract and fit next to Davis (who prefers to avoid full-time center duties) make him a potential target.

If Dallas were to make Gafford available in an unforeseen move, the Lakers would strongly consider moving Reaves to get him. But as of now, Gafford is thriving in Dallas, and the Mavs would likely require significant sweeteners in any proposal.

Then there’s Steven Adams, the rugged veteran who brings size, toughness, and elite rebounding. While injuries have slowed him recently, Adams’ intangibles — leadership, communication, and physicality — still command respect around the league.

For a Lakers team that often gets outmuscled in the paint, Adams could be a stabilizing presence. He doesn’t need touches, sets bone-crushing screens, and would allow Davis to float to his more natural power forward spot.

However, Adams’ injury history and advancing age raise some questions. Trading Reaves — a 25-year-old on a team-friendly deal — for a 31-year-old center with back and knee issues would be a major risk, even if the Lakers are in win-now mode. If this deal were to ever materialize, it would likely be part of a larger package.

There are a few reasons the Lakers are being so selective when it comes to Reaves. First, the team recognizes that LeBron James’ time in the NBA is limited. Any moves made now must help maximize the remaining championship window. Reaves, with his chemistry alongside James and Davis, already fits into that equation.

Second, the Lakers have been burned in the past by dealing away young talent too soon. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and even Alex Caruso all come to mind. The front office is more cautious now, wanting to avoid a repeat of those scenarios unless the return is overwhelmingly in their favor.

Finally, Reaves is viewed as part of the team’s bridge to the post-LeBron era. When James eventually retires or departs, Reaves could become the face of the next Lakers core, alongside potentially AD and other young pieces. Trading him for anything less than a star-caliber frontcourt upgrade would be shortsighted.

There’s another aspect to this conversation: fit. The Lakers have often prioritized big names over balanced rosters. However, the list of potential trade targets shows a more measured approach. Kessler and Gafford, for instance, aren’t headline-grabbing names but would solve real structural issues on this roster — namely interior defense and rebounding.

That represents a philosophical shift. The Lakers, at least for now, appear more interested in sustainable success built on complementary talent rather than just flashy acquisitions.

With the 2025 NBA offseason approaching, speculation will only intensify. If the Lakers fail to make a deep playoff run, changes are likely coming. But barring a chance to land a transformative big man, Reaves appears safe.

League insiders suggest that any move involving Reaves would likely occur only if another team becomes desperate — or if one of the aforementioned bigs becomes available due to cap or locker room issues. Until then, the Lakers will continue to position Reaves as a near-untouchable.

Austin Reaves has gone from undrafted rookie to a core piece of a championship-aspiring roster. The Lakers’ reluctance to include him in trade discussions — unless it’s for elite big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Walker Kessler, Daniel Gafford, or Steven Adams — speaks volumes.

While some fans may scoff at the idea of turning down lesser packages, the Lakers’ logic is sound: Reaves is not just valuable; he’s essential. And in a league that increasingly favors versatility, intelligence, and fit, he may very well be the kind of player teams regret trading away.

In the end, Los Angeles is betting that unless a dominant big man walks through that door, they’re better off holding onto Reaves. And for once, they might just be right.