The los angeles lakers could trade austin reaves to dallas for major roster upgrade featuring lively and washington

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached yet another critical crossroads as they stare down what promises to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise history. Coming off another season that failed to meet the lofty expectations set by the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era, the Lakers are left with limited pathways to improvement. With cap flexibility practically nonexistent, the only avenue to reshape this roster lies in the trade market.

And according to multiple league insiders, the Lakers may be ready to shake things up in a big way.

The latest buzz centers around none other than Austin Reaves—a player many had pegged as a key piece of the Lakers’ future. Reaves, who burst onto the scene with his gritty play, timely scoring, and undeniable connection with the fans, has quickly become a staple in the purple and gold rotation. His ability to create shots, stretch the floor, and compete on both ends made him one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise turbulent season.

But sentimentality doesn’t win championships—and the Lakers know this all too well.

That’s why a proposed trade with the Dallas Mavericks is gaining traction behind the scenes. The rumored deal would send Reaves and veteran guard Shake Milton to Dallas in exchange for rising big man Dereck Lively II and versatile forward P.J. Washington. It’s a bold, aggressive move that reflects both the urgency of the Lakers’ current window and the understanding that their current formula may have already hit its ceiling.

From a pure basketball perspective, this trade offers immediate and intriguing upside for Los Angeles.

P.J. Washington, long admired for his versatility and toughness, would instantly address multiple weak spots in the Lakers’ roster. At 6-foot-7 with a sturdy frame and the ability to defend multiple positions, Washington brings the type of physical presence on the wing and in the frontcourt that the Lakers desperately need. His scoring touch—capable of hitting threes, attacking off the bounce, and punishing mismatches in the post—adds another dynamic layer to an offense that too often leaned solely on James and Davis.

But it’s the inclusion of Dereck Lively II that truly makes this deal fascinating for the Lakers. Lively, a 7-foot-1 athletic marvel, flashed his potential during his rookie season with Dallas, showcasing rim protection, rebounding instincts, and vertical spacing that could transform LA’s interior defense overnight. With Davis often tasked with manning the paint as the lone reliable big, adding a player like Lively would not only ease the burden on AD but also allow the Lakers to experiment with bigger, more imposing lineups.

The Lakers have struggled for years to find reliable size and athleticism beyond Davis. This trade could help solve that.

Of course, no significant move comes without risk—and this deal is no exception.

Trading Austin Reaves is not a decision the Lakers will take lightly. Beyond his production, Reaves has become a beloved figure in Los Angeles, embodying the grit and underdog mentality that fans have rallied behind. His development from an undrafted player to a trusted contributor on one of basketball’s most storied franchises is a testament to his work ethic and basketball IQ.

Moreover, Reaves’ ability to operate as a secondary playmaker, space the floor, and provide timely scoring has been crucial, especially when LeBron James has needed to manage his minutes or when Anthony Davis has faced injury setbacks. Shipping him out, even for promising young frontcourt pieces, comes with the inherent risk of weakening the team’s guard depth and perimeter shooting.

There’s also the question of chemistry. Reaves has built a strong rapport with James, Davis, and the coaching staff, providing stability on a roster often riddled with uncertainty. Breaking that up, particularly with LeBron approaching the twilight of his career, is a gamble.

But make no mistake—the Lakers are feeling the pressure.

LeBron James isn’t getting any younger, and the franchise is determined to capitalize on every remaining year of his elite production. The current core, despite flashes of brilliance, has shown an inability to consistently compete with the league’s top contenders. Injuries, defensive lapses, and lack of depth have plagued Los Angeles, exposing the roster’s imbalances.

This proposed trade, while painful in some respects, reflects a calculated approach to address those shortcomings.

Adding Washington gives the Lakers more defensive versatility, toughness, and scoring. His ability to switch onto guards, battle in the post, and stretch the floor as a shooter provides immense lineup flexibility. Meanwhile, Lively injects much-needed youth, size, and upside into the frontcourt rotation—something the Lakers have lacked behind Davis.

It also aligns with the franchise’s goal of building a team that can remain competitive even as they transition beyond the LeBron era. Both Washington and Lively are young enough to grow alongside Davis, giving LA a foundation that extends beyond a short-term championship window.

For Dallas, the appeal is obvious. Pairing Luka Dončić with an emerging offensive weapon like Reaves and adding Shake Milton for depth strengthens their backcourt rotation significantly. Reaves’ ability to play off the ball, space the floor, and create his own shot makes him an ideal complement to Dončić, potentially easing the offensive burden on the Mavericks’ superstar.

In a Western Conference stacked with elite talent and rising contenders, both teams are looking for that extra edge—the Lakers to bolster their frontcourt and toughness, and the Mavericks to enhance their playmaking and perimeter firepower.

Ultimately, whether the Lakers pull the trigger on this deal comes down to one key question: Are they willing to sacrifice a fan favorite and trusted contributor in Reaves for the promise of greater balance, toughness, and depth?

It’s a gamble, but in the NBA, standing still is often more dangerous than taking risks. With James and Davis still playing at an elite level, the window to compete is open—but shrinking fast.

If the Lakers believe this move makes them deeper, tougher, and better equipped to handle the rigors of a brutal Western Conference playoff race, don’t be surprised if they make the difficult, but potentially game-changing decision.

Time is ticking in Los Angeles—and bold moves may be the only way forward.