Los Angeles, – According to renowned NBA analyst Bill Simmons, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of a blockbuster trade involving guard Austin Reaves, who is expected to leave the team this summer. Speaking on his podcast, Simmons stated, “When Reaves gets traded this summer, and he will get traded, what the Lakers get back will make the Luka Doncic deal from the Dallas Mavericks look less impressive.”
Context After a Disappointing Season
Following a disheartening first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers are under pressure to restructure their roster to maximize LeBron James’ final years and capitalize on the arrival of superstar Luka Doncic, who joined the team from the Dallas Mavericks in a historic trade in February 2025. Despite boasting a LeBron-Doncic duo, the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves, exposing roster weaknesses, particularly at the center position and in defensive capabilities.
Austin Reaves, 26, had an impressive season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, with a shooting efficiency of 46% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. His growth has made him one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets but also a prime trade chip in the market.
Why Reaves Could Be Traded
Two key factors are driving the potential trade of Reaves:
Urgency to Compete Now: With LeBron James entering his 23rd season and Luka Doncic seen as the team’s future, the Lakers are in “win-now” mode. They need to add a third star or a quality center to bolster defense and balance the roster. Reaves, with a team-friendly contract and rising value, is an ideal asset to trade for an All-Star or a promising young talent.
Contract Situation: Reaves is eligible for a new contract that could exceed $40 million annually if he declines to extend his current deal. This puts the Lakers in a financial bind, especially as they need to preserve cap space to extend Doncic’s contract this summer. Trading Reaves could help alleviate salary cap pressure while bringing in a player better suited to their championship goals.
Teams Interested in Reaves
According to Simmons, several teams have their eyes on Reaves, including the Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers. These teams could offer stars or draft picks that the Lakers are seeking. For instance, the Jazz might propose Walker Kessler, a promising defensive center, while the Bulls could include Nikola Vucevic in trade discussions to address the Lakers’ center woes.
What Are the Lakers Looking For?
After the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers lost a top-tier defensive center, leaving Jaxson Hayes to start—a role he’s considered ill-equipped to handle. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers are actively seeking a quality center before the new season, with potential targets like Mark Williams (a failed trade with the Charlotte Hornets). Additionally, the team needs a “3-and-D” wing to replace Max Christie and bolster the roster around James and Doncic.
Rumors About Giannis Antetokounmpo
Beyond the Reaves trade, some sources on X suggest the Lakers are eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo to form a dream trio with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While ambitious, this scenario remains speculative, as the Milwaukee Bucks show no signs of parting with their star.
When Will the Trade Happen?
Simmons emphasized that the Reaves trade is a matter of “when, not if.” With the new season approaching and the Lakers needing to act swiftly to strengthen their roster, the trade is likely to be finalized before the free agency period begins in the summer of 2025. However, the Lakers must carefully evaluate offers to ensure they receive fair value for a versatile player like Reaves.
Conclusion
If the Austin Reaves trade materializes, it will be a bold move by the Lakers in their quest to build a championship-contending roster. While losing a beloved young talent, the Lakers could leverage Reaves’ value to address current weaknesses, particularly at the center position. Lakers fans are eagerly awaiting how Rob Pelinka will execute the next “big swing” to return the team to NBA glory.