Austin Reaves, Austin Reaves return timline, Lakers
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Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts for a LA Clippers foul during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Rich Paul has become one of the most powerful agents in the NBA and still has a close association with LeBron James. The start in sports for Paul came from being a childhood best friend of LeBron and using that to start his Klutch Sports agency group. A podcast with Max Kellerman sees Paul giving his own insight, but it often adds extra interest due to his connection with James.
Paul recently pitched a shocking idea of the Los Angeles Lakers trading Austin Reaves for a big man:
“If I was the Lakers, I’d probably be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson. You got to figure out the package. Someway, somehow, I’d be trying to get Jaren Jackson and maybe get back GG Jackson. He’s a young player that you can develop.
This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. He’s an underdog. Here’s the thing – there’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team and do what’s best for Austin because Austin deserves to get paid.”
Paul referenced the elephant in the room of how the Lakers can improve their roster. Reaves will require a massive contract to stay with the Lakers after his incredible success over the past two seasons. Paul believes that he could be dealt this season for an upgrade on the defensive side.
Why Lakers Could Trade Austin Reaves?
Paul’s logic should be put under question since he’s often speaking from the perspective of James’ friend, regardless of the teammates he’s discussing. Reaves is a beloved Laker to fans across the base, but Los Angeles constantly runs into the same issue of too many similar-minded offensive players at the expense of the defense.
Luka Doncic’s season has led to concerns over the Lakers needing elite defenders if they desire to contend with an offensive juggernaut as the top superstar. Reaves being the next big player to receive a long-term max contract would pigeonhole them into having two strong offensive first players.
LeBron has the same issues this season with his age making it harder for him to defend opposing stars. Paul’s logic makes some sense that the Lakers could flip Reaves to a situation where he’s a bigger star and Los Angeles would a big man who can anchor a team’s defense.
Is Jaren Jackson Above Austin Reaves?
Jaren Jackson stands out as another interesting player that could potentially hit the trade block. The Memphis Grizzlies are already shopping Ja Morant, and recent rumors indicate that Jackson could be moved for the right deal.
Jackson is a two-time All-Star and has already won a Defensive Player of the Year Award at just 26 years old. However, there are some flaws associated with the young athletic power forward. Jackson often gets into foul trouble to limit his minutes and has struggled to improve offensively as a top two player on a roster.
The Lakers would need Jackson to take a big leap forward to replace the presence of Reaves offensively, but the versatility makes Paul’s idea worth discussing if both teams were open to conversations.