Should the Lakers Trade Austin Reaves to Be More Aggressive This Offseason? | Lakers Talk Daily

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, always aiming to contend for championships. With a roster that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and an array of talented role players, the team is in a constant state of flux, trying to maintain its championship aspirations while also building for the future. As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Lakers face a critical decision: Should they keep Austin Reaves or trade him to pursue an even more aggressive approach in the upcoming season?

On today’s Lakers Talk Daily, producer Deondre shares his thoughts and dives into the possibility of moving Austin Reaves, a key player who has seen a significant rise in stock over the past season. But does this improvement make him a valuable trade asset, or would trading him be a mistake that could derail the Lakers’ future?

Let’s take a deeper look into Austin Reaves’ role on the Lakers and whether trading him could be the key to their success.

Before diving into the trade possibilities, it’s important to understand the growth and impact of Austin Reaves. In his first few seasons with the Lakers, Reaves showed promise as a versatile player with a high basketball IQ, often filling in as a playmaker and scorer when needed. However, it was during the 2023-2024 season that he truly blossomed, proving himself as a capable starter and one of the Lakers’ more consistent performers.

Reaves emerged as a reliable secondary ball handler and a solid perimeter defender. His ability to score both off the dribble and as a catch-and-shoot player made him a dynamic offensive threat. On defense, his length and intelligence allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. He showed poise in clutch moments, making key plays in important games during the Lakers’ playoff run.

This unexpected emergence led many to believe that Reaves could be a foundational piece for the Lakers’ future. As a restricted free agent in the summer of 2024, Reaves quickly became a priority for the Lakers, who re-signed him to a long-term deal. Now, with the Lakers eyeing their championship window, the question remains: Is Reaves the kind of player they can rely on to take them to the next level, or does his trade value now exceed his potential long-term benefit?

While Austin Reaves has certainly earned his spot as a key contributor, there are several reasons why trading him might make sense for the Lakers, especially if they want to be more aggressive in their pursuit of a title.

Reaves is at the peak of his value. After a breakout season, his stock has never been higher, and teams around the league would likely see him as an asset capable of contributing immediately. At just 25 years old, Reaves is a player who has demonstrated both offensive and defensive skills, and his ability to complement superstars like LeBron and AD only increases his appeal.

The Lakers could potentially trade Reaves for a player who offers more immediate upside or fits a need they feel they are lacking. With LeBron James nearing the tail end of his career, the Lakers are in “win-now” mode. If they can use Reaves as part of a package to land another star or a player who fills a more specific role, it could push the team over the top in their championship aspirations.

While Reaves has proven himself as a competent ball handler and secondary playmaker, the Lakers still lack a true dynamic playmaker who can create for others consistently. LeBron James is the Lakers’ primary playmaker, but as he ages, his ability to handle the majority of ball-handling duties will likely decrease. Trading Reaves could potentially allow the Lakers to acquire a point guard or a more explosive creator who can take the pressure off LeBron, especially in critical playoff situations.

Players like a true point guard (e.g., Trae Young or Dejounte Murray) or an established all-around player (e.g., Pascal Siakam or Zach LaVine) could offer more immediate help in terms of playmaking and scoring. Reaves is good, but if the Lakers can get a better fit for their roster, especially a player who can take over in clutch situations, it may make sense to move him.ity

In the NBA, depth is crucial to success, especially during the regular season and playoffs. The Lakers have solidified some of their key spots in the lineup, but they still have gaps. If the team can move Reaves and bring in multiple players who improve the roster in more than one area (such as adding a defensive wing and a backup big man), it could provide more depth and better balance for the team.

Additionally, moving Reaves’ contract could provide the Lakers with financial flexibility. Reaves is currently under a long-term deal, and freeing up that salary could allow the Lakers to explore more lucrative trades or signings. Given the team’s financial situation with LeBron and AD’s contracts, maximizing their cap space while adding the right pieces could be crucial for the team’s long-term viability.

While trading Reaves may seem appealing, there are several reasons the Lakers might decide to hold onto him. After all, he represents an essential piece of the Lakers’ future, and the Lakers could certainly benefit from keeping him around.

Reaves is a player who fits seamlessly next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He’s unselfish, willing to make the right basketball play, and capable of adjusting his game to complement his teammates. Unlike some players who may need the ball in their hands to be effective, Reaves can thrive off-the-ball, spacing the floor and creating additional lanes for LeBron and AD to operate in.

His ability to contribute in various ways—scoring, playmaking, and defending—gives the Lakers more flexibility in how they structure their lineups. With the Lakers’ current roster construction, Reaves is one of the few players who can seamlessly fit into multiple roles, making him a valuable asset for a championship contender.

Austin Reaves is still only 25 years old. While he has already demonstrated significant growth, it’s possible that his best years are still ahead of him. The Lakers are currently in a championship window with LeBron and AD, but they also have an eye on the future. Reaves could be part of the team’s core once LeBron eventually retires. Trading him now might sacrifice long-term stability for short-term gains.

Reaves could develop into a more complete player in the coming seasons, becoming a crucial contributor on both ends of the floor. His development is not yet fully realized, and the Lakers could look to build around him as they transition from LeBron-led teams to a new era.

The Lakers’ success in recent seasons has largely been built on strong team chemistry. Reaves has become an integral part of that, providing energy, hustle, and smart decision-making. His connection with LeBron and AD has blossomed over the last few years, and the team’s offensive flow is more cohesive with him on the floor.

Continuity is often underrated in the NBA, especially for a team trying to contend. Moving Reaves could disrupt the Lakers’ chemistry, leading to a period of adjustment that could cost them valuable time during a championship race. The Lakers would need to ensure that any new addition could immediately integrate into the team’s system.

Ultimately, the decision to trade Austin Reaves or keep him comes down to what the Lakers believe is their best path to a championship. On one hand, trading Reaves could give them the opportunity to add more talent and depth, potentially pushing them closer to another title. On the other hand, keeping him around would preserve valuable continuity, flexibility, and long-term potential.

The reality is that the Lakers have a window to contend, and every move they make must be made with that in mind. Reaves is a valuable player, but whether his role on the team outweighs his potential trade value is a question that the Lakers’ front office will need to answer. With the upcoming offseason shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Lakers’ future, it will be fascinating to see whether Austin Reaves remains a part of the Lakers’ quest for another title or if he becomes the centerpiece of a trade package to acquire a game-changing player.

As Deondre and the team discuss on Lakers Talk Daily, this offseason promises to be an exciting one for Lakers fans, filled with tough decisions and big potential moves. Time will tell how it all plays out.