Recently, there have been rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers trading away Austin Reaves as early as this summer.
Why would they make such a big move after Reaves has been so important for them?
There are a few issues at play here, but according to Dan Woike, Reaves will probably remain in LA.
Speaking on the “Dan Patrick Show,” via Ralph Mason, Woike shed some light on Reaves’ situation.
“Lakers have shown no indication they’re going to trade Austin Reaves. Lakers believe in Austin Reaves. Luka Doncic believes in Austin Reaves,” per Dan Woike.
“Lakers have shown no indication they’re going to trade Austin Reaves. Lakers believe in Austin Reaves. Luka Doncic believes in Austin Reaves”
– @DanWoikeSports on Dan Patrick Show
— Ralph Mason (@Ralph_MasonJr) June 19, 2025
It’s good that the Lakers and Luka Doncic believe in Reaves, but that is still no guarantee of his long-term tenure in Los Angeles.
The truth is that the Lakers only have so much cash, and they need to be careful with how they spend it.
Reaves will soon be eligible for a contract extension, and he will want to earn more money, especially because of the last few seasons he’s had.
And while the Lakers would like to pay him, they have to be considerate of other contracts.
This is especially true because they are trying to find a reliable and consistent center.
Their frontcourt has felt empty since the departure of Anthony Davis, and the Lakers are hoping to change that this summer.
That will require spending big bucks, leaving less for others like Reaves.
Plus, the Lakers feel they could get a good return for Reaves if they trade him to another team.
So, perhaps now is the time to think about shipping him out, even though he’s beloved by the front office and the fans.
