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The Los Angeles Lakers are considered highly unlikely to trade Austin Reaves unless they could acquire a top-tier big man in return, reports the Los Angeles Times. A player that fits that description is not expected to be available on the trade market.

Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks are a pair of bigs who would make sense at a cheaper prince point.

The Lakers' most attractive trade assets, outside of Reaves, are their 2031 first round pick and Dalton Knecht. Rob Pelinka previously used those assets to trade for Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets, but the Lakers ultimately rescinded the deal.

Reaves could sign an extension this offseason, but he is expected to become an outright free agent in 2026 when he can sign for significantly more money than an extension would currently allow.

Via Dan Woike/Los Angeles Times

Lakers only willing to trade mediocre guard that only looks good with the benefit of laker free throws for a much better quality big man.

Reaves and the #1 pick in 2026 draft to Dallas, AD to Lakers. Who says no.

Lakers will be lucky if they can get Clint Capela at this point. The options are limited.

Darthlukey wrote:Lakers only willing to trade mediocre guard that only looks good with the benefit of laker free throws for a much better quality big man.

He averaged 20/6/5/1 as a third option, on 46/38/88 splits. He's a good player, on a bargain contract. He certainly has value.

TimeisIllmatic wrote:Lakers will be lucky if they can get Clint Capela at this point. The options are limited.

Everyone says this every year. Heard the same thing last offseason and lo and behold Luka is a Laker. Never underestimate the Lakers ability to pull off heists.

An undrafted player for a top tier player...The Lakers are laughable

J.C. Smith wrote:

Darthlukey wrote:Lakers only willing to trade mediocre guard that only looks good with the benefit of laker free throws for a much better quality big man.

He averaged 20/6/5/1 as a third option, on 46/38/88 splits. He's a good player, on a bargain contract. He certainly has value.

I dont have the numbers handy, but I'm pretty sure that those figures plummeted in the playoffs and wasn't helpful on defence either

Reeves and the 2031 1st for Jarrett Allen. Cavs can use pick and Reeves for an upgrade at the 3/4.

Darthlukey wrote:Lakers only willing to trade mediocre guard that only looks good with the benefit of laker free throws for a much better quality big man.

Laker free throws? Harden and SGA come to mind as all time foul grifters

there is olny 1 center in the nba and denvers not trading him

i wouldn't trade my top centre for austin lol. keep dreaming

Should have kept Mark Williams and took their chances. Knecht and a #1 was a steal for him.

Vegeta10176 wrote:

Darthlukey wrote:Lakers only willing to trade mediocre guard that only looks good with the benefit of laker free throws for a much better quality big man.

Laker free throws? Harden and SGA come to mind as all time foul grifters

Oh for sure, but both can be true at the same time

FrobeBryant wrote:

TimeisIllmatic wrote:Lakers will be lucky if they can get Clint Capela at this point. The options are limited.

Everyone says this every year. Heard the same thing last offseason and lo and behold Luka is a Laker. Never underestimate the Lakers ability to pull off heists.

I'm talking about salary cap limitations. Completely unrelated to the Luka trade.

Austin Reeves is not worth a top tier center

Reeves + 1 pick is not worth a top tier center

Good role player / bench player … but not at the level where he will land the Lakers a top 10 center

njknicks wrote:Austin Reeves is not worth a top tier center

Reeves + 1 pick is not worth a top tier center

Good role player / bench player … but not at the level where he will land the Lakers a top 10 center

Name the top 10 centres.. can he get Bam, AD Jr or wemby no.. Now would he fetch lively unlikely but its not the worst trade ever more if an age thing.. Who are the other top centres in the league Myles turner? KAT.. I think he is on par with Myles but Pacers would have no need for Austin and more need for Myles.. Is sengun a centre then yeah Austin not getting you him.. Chet ok but some of these guys are more 4 than 5.. An actual list of top 10 centres i think at about 6 to 10 Austin would have value for those guys. Maybe 8 to 10 if you take out the ones that are more power forwards than centres.

mihaic wrote:Reaves and the #1 pick in 2026 draft to Dallas, AD to Lakers. Who says no.

I guess you mean AD + 1st overall pick 2025 for Reaves & LTE ("Laker's Trade Exception" given by the League). Otherwise it would make no sense.

Jack Dempsey wrote:

mihaic wrote:Reaves and the #1 pick in 2026 draft to Dallas, AD to Lakers. Who says no.

I guess you mean AD + 1st overall pick 2025 for Reaves & LTE ("Laker's Trade Exception" given by the League). Otherwise it would make no sense.

No, I wrote what I meant. 26 pick is the Mavs, they just get it upgraded. Courtesy of helping Lakers, via Silver