Austin Reaves has been turning heads this season-and not just in Los Angeles. The 25-year-old guard has stepped up in a big way, putting together the kind of stat line that demands attention: 26.6 points and 6.3 assists per game on a crisp 50.7% shooting from the field.
That’s not just solid production-it’s the kind of output you expect from a second option on a legitimate title contender. And with the All-Star break approaching, there's real buzz that Reaves could earn his first All-Star nod.
Right now, though, he’s sidelined with a gastrocnemius strain that’s been nagging him since late December. But there’s good news on that front.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said prior to Tuesday’s win over the Nuggets that Reaves is expected back within the next two weeks. That’s a significant boost for a Lakers team that’s been grinding through the middle of the season and looking to find its rhythm.
Still, not all Lakers fans are sold on Reaves as a long-term fit. Some are calling for the front office to explore trade options, hoping to bring in players who might better complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even Rich Paul-LeBron’s agent-recently stirred the pot by suggesting a move might be worth considering.
But if you’re waiting for the Lakers to part ways with Reaves, don’t hold your breath. According to Jason McIntyre on a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the Lakers have turned down a staggering 20 trade offers for Reaves over the past year.
And it’s not just about volume-it’s about value. McIntyre added that GM Rob Pelinka would only consider moving Reaves in a deal for one of the league’s absolute elite: Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić.
That might sound like a stretch, but it lines up with what we’ve seen from the Lakers over the last couple of seasons. They’ve consistently held firm on keeping Reaves out of trade talks, and when you look at his year-over-year growth, it’s easy to see why. He’s gone from a promising role player to a core piece of the Lakers’ offense-and he’s doing it with efficiency, poise, and a growing command of the game.
But here’s the reality: the Lakers’ trade cupboard isn’t exactly overflowing. They’ve got limited assets to work with, and if the goal is to chase banner No. 18, they may eventually have to face some tough decisions. Trading for a transformative piece without gutting the roster is a tightrope act-and unless they can pull off some front-office magic, it’s hard to imagine how they land a superstar without giving up someone like Reaves.
There’s also the contract situation. Reaves is widely expected to opt out of his current deal this summer in search of a bigger payday-and he’s earned it.
The question is whether the Lakers can afford to keep him while also improving the supporting cast around LeBron and AD. If another team is willing to take on some of L.A.’s less appealing trade chips in exchange for a quality two-way guard or wing, that could shift the calculus.
For now, Reaves remains a Laker-and a critical one at that. His return from injury will be a welcome sight for a team that needs his scoring punch and playmaking. Whether he’s still in purple and gold come playoff time-or next season-will depend on how aggressive the front office wants to get in the pursuit of another championship.