As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate the early stages of the 2025-26 NBA season, Austin Reaves has emerged as an undeniable star, posting gaudy numbers while LeBron James, and more recently, Luka Dončić, have missed time with injuries. AR’s surge has raised a compelling question for some: should the Lakers consider trading Reaves now, while his value is at an all-time high? Reaves’ ascent this season builds on his solid foundation from prior years, but his current form feels different. He’s not just scoring at an elite clip, but also dishing out assists at a rate that ranks him among the league’s top facilitators. For a Lakers squad that acquired Dončić in a blockbuster deal last offseason, sending out Anthony Davis and reshaping the core around James and the Slovenian maestro, Reaves has become the glue holding things together. Yet, with the team hovering near the salary cap apron and eyeing further depth pieces, Reaves’s affordable contract—capped at around $14 million this year—makes him an attractive trade chip. General manager Rob Pelinka has signaled intentions to pursue additional playoff-caliber bigs, and moving Reaves could net the assets needed to do so. Austin Reaves this season: 28 PTS – 16 AST – 2 STL41 PTS – 4 REB – 5 AST51 PTS – 11 REB – 9 AST25 PTS – 7 REB – 11 AST26 PTS – 5 REB – 9 ASTALL-STAR ð¥(Via @realapp ) pic.twitter.com/koNzSbKF6z— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 30, 2025 On one hand, cashing in on Reaves’ inflated value could provide the Lakers with draft picks, young prospects, or even a direct swap for a defensive anchor like Myles Turner or Walker Kessler, addressing the void left by Davis’ departure. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks or Utah Jazz might salivate at adding a versatile guard like Reaves. Story continues below advertisement There’s also this variable to consider: Reaves holds a player option for 2026-27 that he’s likely to decline for a bigger payday, forcing the Lakers to weigh re-signing him at a premium or risking a free-agent exit with no compensation. A HISTORIC start for Austin Reaves through 5 games…34.2 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 10.0 APG⭐️ 3rd player EVER to record 170+ PTS & 50+ AST through the first 5 games⭐️ 7th player EVER to tally 25+ PTS & 5+ AST in each of the first 5 games of a season… and the only Laker to do so… pic.twitter.com/D8Dpke0tYt— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025 On the other hand, it’s not difficult to argue against trading Reaves. Parting with him might undermine the very chemistry that’s kept the Lakers afloat during James’ and Dončić’s absences. He’s evolved into a reliable creator, easing the burden on the aging James and the oft-injured Dončić. Story continues below advertisement Retaining Reaves pretty much guarantees that the Lakers will always have one star to roll out there, even when injuries occur. Ultimately, the decision boils down to timing and vision. With Reaves’ stock soaring, the Lakers face a tantalizing opportunity to reshape their future around Luka, but at the cost of a blossoming talent who’s become indispensable. Story continues below advertisement