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‘I don’t think LeBron is crazy’… Rachel Nichols says Austin Reaves could be traded by the LA Lakers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 7:33 PM ET

NBA expert Rachel Nichols believes the LA Lakers are right to keep their options open and does not rule out a big midseason exit.

Ever since LeBron James opted in to his LA Lakers contract, with the thinly-veiled threat to the team that they need to strengthen, there has been incessant speculation over his future.

And he is not the only hot topic of conversation. Austin Reaves rejected the Lakers’ contract extension offer, and is aiming to test the market next summer when his value will be at his peak.

This led to former player Paul Pierce recommending the Lakers trade Reaves, although this does not appear to be happening this offseason.

For now, the Lakers are set to try and win in 2025-26 with Reaves as a third star supporting LeBron James and Luka Doncic, helped by new addition Deandre Ayton.

Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Austin Reaves trade could happen midseason

While there is no imminent chance of Austin Reaves being traded away by the LA Lakers, do not rule out a midseason change.

In a league where anything can happen, evidenced by the Luka Doncic trade in February 2025, Austin Reaves could hit the trade market in early 2026.

Long-time NBA reporter Rachel Nichols believes the LA Lakers could trade Reaves to acquire a more suitable defensive player to complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

She explained that as the season takes shape, and contenders whittle down, opportunities could open up.

Nichols told Sports Illustrated: “It doesn’t shock me that while the Lakers are interested in making their team better, and already have by the way, it’s possible that we get a trade for one of those three-and-d guys for Austin Reaves before the trade deadline.

“That’s still open, depending on how the Lakers season is going.”

She said that to begin the season, the Lakers will want to see how their current roster shapes out first before making any big calls.

“I think it’s possible the Lakers front office now wants to take a look at how this group is going to be together before they start giving away things and trading Austin and doing whatever.

“Teams that think they have a shot will know by February that they don’t have a shot. You and I see this every year.”

LeBron James just wanted the LA Lakers to be better

LeBron James caused a furore with his demands for the LA Lakers to focus on his own window, amid speculation this season could be his final one.

Nichols says the LA Lakers are open to making changes to improve the roster further, and LeBron James‘ aims are entirely valid.

She is confident that LeBron James wants to stay put, commenting: “I don’t think the door is closed to making this better, and I don’t think LeBron is crazy for wanting them to do more now, and wanting them to do more in general, and wanting to put pressure on them.

“I think all the parties are doing what they should be doing. The method that LeBron puts that pressure on sometimes rubs some fans the wrong way, but you got to recognize that’s what he’s doing.

“He is not trying to get himself somewhere else in the next two months.”

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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