NBA Insider Reveals ‘Surefire’ Lakers Asset In Bucks Trade Talks

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The quote cuts to the heart of what makes Austin Reaves such an intriguing piece. The 26-year-old guard, who joined Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2021, enjoyed a career-best season in 2024-25, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 46 percent overall and 37.7 percent from three-point range. His efficient scoring, playmaking, and toughness have made him one of the most reliable options behind LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic.

For the LA, Reaves represents both a rising talent and, potentially, a trade asset of rare value. His fit alongside James and Doncic, while impressive offensively, has occasionally led to defensive lapses — all three are high-usage, ball-dominant scorers who can struggle on that end. That duality may make him a logical centerpiece if Los Angeles ever pursued a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber.

Los Angeles’ roster for 2025-26 remains largely intact. Deandre Ayton arrives as the team’s new starting center, addressing a critical need, while Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia could become key rotation pieces. Rob Pelinka and company are keeping cap flexibility in mind, particularly with potential free agency opportunities in 2027 when stars like Antetokounmpo or Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic could hit the market.

While Reaves is positioned as the “surefire” centerpiece in any hypothetical trade, the reality is that Giannis has not requested a move from Milwaukee, and the Bucks have signaled confidence in his near-term future. The recent return of Thanasis Antetokounmpo on a guaranteed one-year deal is widely seen as another sign that Giannis intends to stay put — at least for now.

Even so, as Irwin emphasizes, the Lakers have a clear vision for what they would need if the opportunity ever arises. Reaves’ value as a rising star, his contract flexibility, and his proven production all make him the logical player around whom Los Angeles could negotiate.

“It’s far from a realistic possibility right now,” Irwin added. “But if something ever did happen, Reaves would be the first name that comes up.”

In other words, while Lakers fans focus on another season led by LeBron and Doncic, the conversation about Reaves underscores that the franchise is already thinking strategically about potential long-term upgrades. Whether that dream scenario ever materializes remains uncertain, but Anthony Irwin’s take makes one thing clear: when it comes to a hypothetical Giannis trade, Austin Reaves is the player you watch first.