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, LeBron James‘ agent Rich Paul offered up the idea of Los Angeles trading Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. Both Paul speaking about the team on his podcast in general, and the idea of the Lakers moving on from Reaves stirred up major controversy, it could potentially bolster head coach JJ Redick’s roster and give Luka Doncic and company a better shot at winning multiple playoff rounds.
“If you’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 do what’s best for your team, and do what’s best for Austin. Because Austin deserves to get paid…Memphis would definitely pay Austin.”
While all indications point to the Lakers giving Reaves a max contract extension this summer, a trade idea like this is too juicy not to entertain.
Rich Paul’s Bold Lakers Trade Idea Swapping Reaves For JJJ
Writing for Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus discussed the idea of Paul’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 future going 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 Angeles does this deal because they believe Reaves and Doncic don’t have a long future together, both as 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 has been 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, he doesn’t provide the same defensive ability as someone like the current Memphis frontcourt player.
“From Paul’s point of view, the Lakers will be a better team with Jackson’s defense over Reaves’ 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 appears to be the case is that Reaves is in line for a max extension this summer. The Lakers’ 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 a major risk, Jackson could be his next All-Star partner.
Austin Reaves Injury Update
While Paul’s bold trade idea is a bit old, it still creates some intriguing thoughts on what the Lakers could look like with a high-level big man. However, while all of the drama caused by his comments now appears to have simmered down, the entire time, Reaves hasn’t even set foot on the floor, as he is still dealing with a calf injury suffered on Christmas.
The 27-year-old still doesn’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 still isn’t expected to be back for at least a few more games. Yet still, the Lakers have stayed quiet on a potential return, so Redick’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 up strong 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.
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