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Ramona Shelburne shares verdict on whether Lakers should swap Austin Reaves for Giannis

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 2:50 PM ET

Ramona Shelburne weighed in on the idea of the LA Lakers trading Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Lakers are having a strong season, though two losses in their last three games have highlighted some areas that need attention.

Their defeat to the Boston Celtics was not entirely unexpected, especially since LeBron James and Luka Doncic were both out.

In their absence, one player stepped up. Austin Reaves continued his impressive form with a 36-point game, adding to what has been a standout season for him.

Despite this, he keeps getting linked with trade talks. Even though his fifth NBA season numbers are better than Kobe Bryant’s at the same stage, that has not quieted the rumours. One of them was a deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Ramona Shelburne says trading Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo is a no-brainer

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Ramona Shelburne appeared on the Mason & Ireland show on ESPN Radio, where the topic of trading Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo came up.

Despite how well Reaves has played this season, Shelburne did not hesitate when asked if she would make that move.

“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

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Ahead of the season, Reaves’ agent cautioned the Lakers about his client’s name popping up in trade discussions and hinted that they might end up regretting it down the line.

After Reaves dropped 44 points on the Toronto Raptors later in the season, his agent reinforced that point by reminding them again that this undrafted player is already establishing himself as one of the league’s top talents.

The 27-year-old has developed into an ideal backcourt fit alongside Luka Doncic and there are plenty who now view them as one of the most dynamic offensive duos in today’s NBA.

Trading Reaves is a considerable risk given his current level of play. However, in exchange for a talent like Antetokounmpo, it might be worth taking the chance.

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

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