Bill Simmons is the last person anyone would go to for a rational assessment on anything that has to do with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Boston Celtics diehard is unapologetically biased, and not even trying particularly hard to hide that fact.
Simmons was in his bag recently when joined by Zach Lowe for another episode of his self-titled podcast. The idea of trading Austin Reaves was tossed out there. Amazingly enough, it got stopped right in its tracks in the wake of a moment that offered some genuine transparency.
"Don't trade Austin Reaves, I'm just being a d*ck," Simmons admitted. "I was just trying to plant seeds, because I don't like Laker fans."
The conversations about trading Reaves have long exited the building, if they were ever really there to begin with. The Lakers star has firmly secured his spot in Los Angeles, growing into one of the most important players on the team. With no strong desire to leave being hinted at, there will be no rush to push the talented offensive guard through the door.
Austin Reaves trade conversations have firmly ended in Los Angeles
Reaves' agent told everyone in the offseason how meaningless the mock trades and the hypotheticals were surrounding his client. Aaron Reilly must be having such a good laugh with how true his comments have looked thus far. This season has indeed been the show that was promised.
Next year is going to be a show. People really have no idea what’s to come. Keep putting him in trade rumors for second string centers. @TheRealReggieB https://t.co/Q6ROei9DNi
— Aaron Reilly (@AMRAgency) May 24, 2025
Reaves has averaged 27.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 36.4 minutes per game. The Lakers guard has registered a 64.1 true shooting percentage to boot.
Questions of his fit next to Luka Doncic have quickly become a punchline. Not only is he a great partner for the superstar point guard, but they clearly both enjoy playing together. The bromance between the two stars is very real.
Austin Reaves: "Good job, friend."
Luka Doncic: "He wants to be my friend, but I'm not allowing it.”
🤣🤣🤣. (h/t @BulletClubIta)
pic.twitter.com/6mA6RMycqf
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 19, 2025
Have the smiles and the jokes translated into practical results for the Lakers? Well, yes, absolutely.
The 12-4 start for the Lakers speaks for itself. The advanced numbers also love the duo in Los Angeles.
The two-man lineup of Doncic and Reaves has an offensive rating of 119.2 and an impressive defensive rating of 106.8. The latter was the concern for many, but the Lakers have more than managed on that end with those two sharing the court.
Having the overall net rating of Doncic and Reaves at 12.4 really says the obvious. There is no trade coming for the latter in the near future. This duo is built to last.