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Lakers will only trade Austin Reaves for two players, but it’s highly unlikely
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Lakers will only trade Austin Reaves for two players, but it’s highly unlikely

Originally posted on HITC  |  By Aaditya Krishnamurthy  |  Last updated Nov 12, 2025 9:58 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to moving Austin Reaves, but their asking price suggests a deal isn’t on the horizon.

The Lakers have started the season in strong form, going 8-3 through their first 11 games. Even without LeBron James alongside Luka Doncic, LA has managed to navigate a difficult run of fixtures early on.

A big reason for that has been Austin Reaves. Now in his fifth year, he’s developed a strong connection with Luka Doncic that’s been vital for the team.

LeBron believes that Reaves and Doncic can be the duo to help him add another ring. However, with Reaves set to become a free agent soon, there are questions about whether he might be moved before then.

Lakers have no urgency to trade Austin Reaves

Any deal involving Austin Reaves would need to significantly improve LA’s championship chances this season. And so far, nothing out there meets that standard.

Reaves is averaging 17 points per game this year. He also brings five assists and three rebounds per game while shooting over 50% from the field. Given those numbers and his clear chemistry with Doncic, it’s no surprise LA is setting a high price tag.


Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Why the Lakers are unlikely to trade Austin Reaves anytime soon

According to an insider speaking to Lakers Daily, LA would only consider moving Reaves if a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic unexpectedly became available. The source also noted that despite ongoing speculation around Giannis and the Bucks, neither player is expected to be on the move this season.

“The Lakers are only going to trade Austin for Giannis or Jokic. And neither of those guys is getting traded this season.”

With Reaves playing out the final year of one of the most team-friendly deals in the league, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles giving that up just to chase another big name.

He’s become a vital part of their rotation and a fan favourite. Trading away what might be their second-best player right now doesn’t add up.

Austin Reaves could be in line for a huge new deal next season

As mentioned earlier, Austin Reaves will hit free agency next year, and his play this season could put him in line for a major contract extension from the LA Lakers.

Reaves is currently putting up 30.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game—numbers that have him in the All-Star conversation. If he earns both All-Star and All-NBA honours, he’d be eligible for a max contract.

Per Dave McMenamin, that would mean a five-year deal worth $241 million, paying out an average of $48.25 million annually.

Still, there are reports suggesting Reaves isn’t focused on pushing the Lakers to their financial limit and values staying with the team more than chasing every dollar available.

“I try not to think about it. Honestly. I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it,” Reaves said via Joey Linn of FanNation’s ‘All Lakers.’

“Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a f—— gigantic number that don’t make sense.”

With Reaves expected to land such a big deal, there’s naturally some concern about how LeBron James’ current $52.6 million salary fits into the long-term plans.

If this season goes well for LA, LeBron might even consider taking less money to help keep Reaves while still staying with the team.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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