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[Saba Sports News] Austin Reaves may not need to pack his bags just yet.
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers have shown “no interest” in trading Reaves unless it’s for a “top-tier big man”—a category that currently lacks viable options on the market.
Woike cites Brooklyn’s Nicolas Claxton and Dallas’ Daniel Gafford as the closest fits, but even they fall short of that elite threshold.
Reaves, 26, has been at the center of trade rumors following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit to the Timberwolves. With a reasonable $13.9 million salary next season and a $14.9 million player option for 2026–27, he’s arguably the team’s most valuable trade chip, especially with the roster otherwise light on assets outside of rookie Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-rounder, and some expiring contracts.
Critics have cited Reaves’ offensive redundancy alongside ball-dominant stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic as a reason to move him. Some pundits have even declared his departure a certainty this offseason.
Still, there are strong arguments for keeping him. Reaves is a fan favorite and a product of the Lakers’ system, with proven chemistry alongside James. He offers reliable regular-season production and can help shoulder the load when stars rest.
With no urgency to move quickly, the Lakers are content to keep Reaves—for now. They have until the trade deadline in February to re-evaluate his market value and fit. In the meantime, their focus shifts to preparing for the season ahead.