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Ramona Shelburne gives verdict on if LA Lakers should trade Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 2:01 PM ET

Ramona Shelburne had a lot to say about the LA Lakers potentially trading Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Los Angeles Lakers are flying high this season, even if their two losses in the last three games are signs of some problems on their team.

The Lakers’ loss to the Boston Celtics was somewhat understandable, given that they were missing LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

But in their absence, one star did deliver a great performance – Austin Reaves. Reaves’ 36-point outing is yet another in a long list of stellar showings this season.

Reaves is outperforming Kobe Bryant when comparing their fifth NBA seasons, respectively. But despite this, his name keeps getting mentioned in potential trades.

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Ramona Shelburne wouldn’t hesitate to trade Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Ramona Shelburne was a guest on the Mason & Ireland show on ESPN Radio, where she was asked about the LA Lakers possibly trading Austin Reaves to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Despite Reaves’ great performances this season, Shelburne wouldn’t think twice and instantly trade him if there was a chance for them to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis Antetokounmpo to the LA Lakers mock trade

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“I think I would do this, I don’t think it’s too much of a choice. Can you think of a better complement to Luka?

“He’d be a lob threat, Luka could find him, he’d get easy baskets. Defensively, he’d be a backstop for Luka; it’s kind of perfect. Yes, don’t think too hard.”

Austin Reaves can make the LA Lakers look really bad if they keep putting him in trade talks

Prior to the start of the season, Austin Reaves’ agent warned the LA Lakers about his client’s inclusion in trade talks, noting that he would make them look really foolish in the long term.

After Reaves scored 44 points against the Toronto Raptors, his agent doubled down on this warning, reminding them that their undrafted player is a surefire star in the league.

Do the LA Lakers have the best backcourt in the NBA?

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the 4th duo in 50 years to each record 30+ points in 3 straight games!

How far can this duo take the Lakers?

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Reaves has become the perfect backcourt partner for Luka Doncic, with many considering them the best offensive backcourt in the NBA today.

Given how well Reaves is playing, trading him would be a risk. But for a player as talented as Giannis Antetokounmpo, that risk might be worth the reward.

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

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