Despite trade buzz after the Luka Doncic move, the Lakers are unlikely to deal Austin Reaves, whose value and production make him nearly untouchable—unless an offer too good to refuse comes along.
Brief Summary: Following the Luka Doncic trade, the NBA world is watching the Lakers for their next move. But according to reports, L.A. isn’t rushing into any blockbusters—especially not involving Austin Reaves, whose value and growth have made him a core piece of the roster.
The NBA world is buzzing this offseason, and naturally, the Lakers are right in the middle of the speculation storm.
With the Luka Doncic trade shaking things up, fans and analysts alike are wondering if L.A. will make a splash of their own to bolster their title hopes. But if you’re expecting fireworks anytime soon, it might be time to pump the brakes.
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times suggests that a blockbuster Lakers trade isn’t exactly looming.
“Everyone is aware of the noise from the media and on the message boards (shoutout Lakers reddit), no one is acting like a trade is going to happen this summer for a couple of reasons,” Woike wrote.
One of the biggest reasons? Austin Reaves.
The Lakers are clearly all-in on Reaves’ growth story—from undrafted gem to someone many now see as All-Star material. And the numbers back it up. At just $14 million next season, Reaves offers one of the best value contracts in the league—unless you count some rookie-deal superstars.
“Long story short, the reality is this: Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season. The only players to exceed all of those numbers are Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Doncic, Cade Cunningham, De’Aaron Fox and LaMelo Ball.”
That’s elite company. And the Lakers know it.
So while L.A. might still explore roster upgrades, don’t expect Reaves to be casually tossed into trade talks. If he’s moved, it’ll be because someone makes an offer the Lakers can’t refuse—not because they’re eager to let him go.
For now, it looks like the Lakers are playing the long game.
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