Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors, Jaren Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies, Rich Paul Austin Reaves Jaren Jackson Lakers trade idea, Lakers top trade targets, Lakers news, Rich Paul Lakers, NBA trade rumors, NBA trade deadline, Austin Reaves injury update
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The Los Angeles Lakers dealt with a ton of controversy over recent trade rumors, but the idea itself isn't as far-fetched as many thought.
The Los Angeles Lakers are still facing major concerns on the defensive end of the floor, and with just over two weeks before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, any hope of them adding a game-changing player is starting to feel more unlikely.
However, although it could have fired when originally put on the table and created a ton of controversy within the Lakers organization, there is still one possible move that could be available.
Speaking recently on his podcast, Game Over, LeBronJames‘ agent Rich Paul offered up the idea of Los Angeles trading Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies.Both Paulspeaking about the team on his podcastin general, and the idea of the Lakers moving on from Reaves stirred upmajor controversy, it could potentially bolster head coach JJRedick’sroster and give Luka Doncic and company a better shot at winning multiple playoff rounds.
Heat Central
Rich Paul says if he ran the Lakers, he would call Memphis Grizzlies to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr for a package with Austin Reaves 😳
“If I was the Lakers I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… If you’re building around Luka you need
“Ifyou’re building around Luka [Doncic] going forward, which they are, you need that anchor,”Paul said to Max Kellerman on his podcast. “There’s a world where you can dowhat’s best for your team, and dowhat’s best for Austin. Because Austin deserves to get paid…Memphis would definitely pay Austin.”
While all indicationspoint to the LakersgivingReaves a max contract extension this summer, a trade idea like this is toojuicy not toentertain.
Rich Paul’s Bold Lakers Trade Idea Swapping Reaves For JJJ
Writing for Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus discussed the idea ofPaul’s trade idea that would see the Lakers cut loose Reaves to the Grizzlies in exchange for Jackson, who, like Ja Morant, has an uncertain futuregoing forward with the Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and a $2.3 million trade exception (Vince Williams Jr.)
For starters, Los Angelesdoes this deal because they believe Reaves and Doncicdon’t have a long future together, bothas playmaking and scoring backcourt players who thrive with the ball in their hands. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has made it abundantly clear that Doncic is the future of the franchise, and while Reaves hasbeen sidelined recently, even when on the court, they provide somewhat of the same services.
Additionally, Doncic has proven to be at his best with versatile big men like Jackson. Though Deandre Ayton most recently put up arguably his best game as a Laker, hedoesn’t provide the same defensive ability as someone like the current Memphis frontcourt player.
“FromPaul’s point of view, the Lakers will be a better team withJackson’s defense overReaves’ offense;that’s subjectively arguable,”Pincus wrote. “If the Lakers agree (and Memphis likes the deal), then by all means.”
Jackson’s contract would potentially be the biggest holdup in a trade idea like this.However, as Paul mentioned,what appearsto be the case is that Reaves is in line for amax extension this summer. TheLakers’ decision-makers appear ready to give him that deal, but at the same time, is locking down a future of him and Doncic the best play?
Los Angeles is poised to spend the next few years, and hopefully the next decade, competing for titles with Doncic. He had success in Dallas playing with athletic big men, and while still amajor risk, Jackson could be his next All-Star partner.
Austin Reaves Injury Update
WhilePaul’s bold trade idea is a bitold, it stillcreatessome intriguing thoughts on what the Lakers could look like with a high-level big man. However, while allof the drama caused by his comments now appears to have simmered down, the entire time, Reaveshasn’t even set foot on the floor, as he is still dealing with a calf injury suffered on Christmas.
The 27-year-old stilldoesn’t have a direct timeline for a return, but Redick, speaking after their latest win over the Toronto Raptors, gave a telling update on the scoring guard.
“We’re starting to get healthy, and hopefully we get AR back soon,”Redick said to reporters after the win.
With the initial report by Dan Woike of The Athletic that Reaves would miss at least four weeks, he stillisn’t expected to be back for at least a few more games. Yet still, the Lakers have stayed quiet on a potential return, soRedick’s comments could foreshadow an on-schedule return for the recently trade-rumored player.
Additionally, Los Angeles was recently without Doncic, Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes with differing injuries, but got them all back for their win over the Raptors. James continues to bounce in and out of the injury report, but for the time being, he is putting upstrong numbers and has only missed one game in January so far.
Even though Reaves has been out,it’s decision-making time for the Lakers, who still appear eager to make a trade before the deadline to add defensive help, whether that be for Jackson or not.