Why Trading Austin Reaves Could Be the Lakers’ Most Controversial—and Necessary—Move Yet

There’s a strange kind of affection I have for Austin Reaves—a quiet champion who’s carved out a niche in the Lakers’ chaotic landscape. From undrafted hopeful to the heartbeat of the team’s gritty moments, he’s won over hearts and earned his place in the Big Three conversation. But here’s the wrench in the gears: in pursuit of something bigger, something that can truly elevate the Lakers, the harsh reality bites hard. The kind of impact they need—a dominant big man to anchor the defense and open up the offense—just doesn’t come without sacrifice. And it means letting go of the very player who’s been a symbol of resilience and promise. As much as it pains me to say it, the time has come to seriously consider moving on from Reaves if L.A. wants to reclaim its championship hopes.

LEARN MOREAs the Lakers were losing four of five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Reaves was literally losing his footing with each dribble, struggling with a bruised toe and battered reputation.This is absolutely not to place the blame on Reaves for the loss to Minnesota. He was just a small part of everything that went wrong. But, unlike some diva stars from other losing teams, he boldly and publicly acknowledged his role in the carnage.This is absolutely not to place the blame on Reaves for the loss to Minnesota. He was just a small part of everything that went wrong. But, unlike some diva stars from other losing teams, he boldly and publicly acknowledged his role in the carnage.Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Six months ago, this whole idea was absurd. For a while last season, Reaves was the vital cog in a Lakers offense that transitioned from Anthony Davis to Doncic while maintaining Reaves’ spot as a powerful No. 3 option.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.AdvertisementDamn, I hate writing these next three words.If they have even a minuscule chance of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, any deal would have to include Reaves. If they want Joel Embiid, Reaves has to go. They could probably get Nic Claxton without Reaves in the deal, but don’t they need to do better than Nic Claxton?Problem is, he can’t learn to get taller, or learn to be more athletic, or learn to fit into an offense in which his strengths and weaknesses mirror those of Doncic, who needs a more complementary piece.AdvertisementAdvertisement