The Los Angeles Lakers have made Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves untouchable in trade talks, but the rest of their roster could be moved in the right deal. LeBron James has a no-trade clause, but he is clearly not part of their long-term future. ESPN reported the Lakers did not offer him a new contract this offseason, so King James enters the season on the final year of his deal with the clear knowledge that LA is building around Luka.
The LeBron rumors are already swirling. He is unhappy with the transition from being his team to Luka’s. The 40-year-old may not be on their roster for the 2026-27 season, so trading him at the deadline can’t be ruled out. It would take working with LeBron to find a new home. That seemingly insane choice is becoming more real by the day.
The rest of the Lakers’ roster has been in trade rumors going back to the deadline or just joined the team. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber could all be moved before February if the right trade comes along. That leaves just two untouchable players standing.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the only untouchable Lakers
The Lakers still can’t believe the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to LA. He was first-team All-NBA for five straight years and had Dallas in the NBA Finals before one injury-riddled campaign. The 26-year-old is a top-three player in the world, and the Lakers are only trading him if he demands to be moved.
Reaves has been in trade rumors, but his bargain contract has made him untouchable (subscription required). That could change before the deadline. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season that the 6’5 wing is certain to decline. Reaves declined his max extension number already (subscription required) and is headed toward unrestricted free agency. LA is confident they can re-sign him but will look to move on if things change.
Rob Pelinka and the front office are looking for pieces that fit around Luka Doncic. They need a long-term answer at center and stout perimeter defenders to mitigate his biggest weakness. The Lakers would have a virtually fresh slate to build around Luka in 2027, but it would mean wasting two years of his prime. LA should be all-in on winning now and maximizing their chances with number 77.
Everything feels fluid with the Lakers. Does LeBron request a trade if he feels this is his final season in LA? Can they re-sign Austin Reaves? Does Luka extend his contract in August? There are more questions than answers right now. The Lakers are not talking about trading Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, but that could change quickly.
The Los Angeles Lakers got a gift when Luka fell into their laps. They cannot waste it by saving cap space and hoping another superstar chooses LA. Pelinka should be working the phones right now trying to make upgrades and gauging the value of everyone not named Doncic. That is their path to winning it all whether fans like it or not.