Lakers Reportedly Propose Austin Reaves Trade to Mavericks

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively reshaping their roster around superstar Luka Dončić, who desires immediate championship contention and a center who can serve as a consistent lob threat. To achieve this, Lakers president Rob Pelinka has reportedly considered trading fan-favorite Austin Reaves, who is expected to command a high salary in free agency, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for young frontcourt players Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin, both of whom have established chemistry with Dončić and bring defensive and versatile skills. While Reaves has posted strong statistics and improved defensively, his potential salary and fit alongside Dončić have raised concerns among Lakers executives. Additionally, speculation surrounds a possible blockbuster trade involving LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo to bolster the Lakers’ title chances, which could further impact roster decisions including the potential departure of Reaves. Despite these trade discussions, Lakers leadership, including Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, have shown strong support for Dončić, traveling internationally to back him during the FIBA EuroBasket tournament. The Lakers’ front office faces the challenge of balancing fan sentiment, financial considerations, and building a competitive team poised for immediate success.