The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations after acquiring five-time All-Star Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade in February. The move, which paired Doncic with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, was seen as a bold step toward securing another championship for the purple and gold. Finishing the regular season with a 50-32 record, the Lakers clinched the third seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves with home-court advantage.
However, the postseason was a disappointment. Despite the star power of Doncic, James, and Reaves, the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves in five games. To add insult to injury, LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, suffered a left knee injury in Game 5, forcing him to focus on recovery during the offseason. Head coach JJ Redick’s decision to limit the rotation in the second half of Game 4—relying solely on Doncic, James, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith while benching center Jaxson Hayes in Game 5—highlighted a glaring weakness in the team’s frontcourt.
Recognizing their need for a stronger presence in the paint, the Lakers have made it clear that acquiring a center is a top priority this offseason. Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley recently predicted that general manager Rob Pelinka will pursue a significant trade to address this need, but with a key caveat: Austin Reaves will remain untouchable.
“What feels more likely is that Reaves is kept off-limits, and the Lakers land someone like Walker Kessler, Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams III, or Mitchell Robinson,” Buckley wrote.
This prediction aligns with reports from Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, who noted that the Lakers would only consider trading Reaves for a “top-tier big.” However, Buckley believes that such a star center is unlikely to become available this summer, making it probable that Reaves will stay with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season.
Reaves’ performance during the regular season solidified his value to the team. The 26-year-old guard averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over 73 games, shooting an efficient 46.0% from the field, 37.7% from three-point range, and 87.7% from the free-throw line. His versatility, playmaking, and clutch scoring made him a critical piece alongside Doncic and James, further cementing his status as a core part of the Lakers’ future.
The Lakers’ front office now faces the challenge of finding a center who can complement their star trio without sacrificing Reaves. Names like Walker Kessler, known for his shot-blocking prowess, or Nic Claxton, a versatile defender, could provide the rim protection and rebounding the team desperately needs. Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams III, and Mitchell Robinson also represent intriguing options, each bringing a unique skill set to address the Lakers’ frontcourt woes.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka to see if he can engineer another blockbuster trade to bolster the roster. If he can land a quality center while keeping Austin Reaves, the Lakers could solidify their status as championship contenders in 2026. For now, fans can only speculate about the “shocking” move that might reshape the franchise’s future.