It is mid-January 2026, and if you haven't been paying attention to the standings, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting at 24-15. They're fifth in a Western Conference that feels like a meat grinder every single night. But if you scroll through social media or catch a segment on sports talk radio, the conversation isn't about the wins. It’s about Austin Reaves. Specifically, it's about whether or not Rob Pelinka is about to move him before the trade deadline.
Honestly, the rumors are kind of exhausting.
The Austin Reaves Dilemma: More Than Just Stats
You've probably seen the box scores. Reaves is currently putting up numbers that look like a video game glitch. We're talking 26.6 points and over 6 assists a game. He’s not just "Hillbilly Kobe" anymore; he’s playing like a legitimate All-NBA candidate. But there’s a catch.
The Lakers' defense is, well, it’s not great. They’re ranked 26th in defensive rating. Because of that, people like Gilbert Arenas are out here saying the Lakers need to "cash in" on Reaves to find a defensive anchor.
Let’s be real for a second. Trading a guy who is averaging 26 points on 50% shooting because your team can't stop a nosebleed seems... counterproductive?
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Why he actually matters
Reaves is the glue. When LeBron James—who is literally 41 years old now—needs to take a possession off, it’s Austin who initiates. When the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić in that world-shaking trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, everyone thought Reaves would be the odd man out. Instead, he’s become the perfect secondary creator.
He handles the "boring" stuff.
He’s the guy who knows exactly where to be when Luka gets doubled. He’s the one drawing fouls at a rate that would make prime James Harden blush (he’s literally averaging nearly 9 free throw attempts a game).
What the Rumors Get Wrong
There is a massive misconception that the Lakers have to trade him because of his contract. Reaves is making about $14 million this year. In today's NBA, that is basically pocket change for a guy giving you 25 and 5.
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The fear is the 2026-27 player option. Everyone knows he’s going to opt out. He’d be crazy not to. But the idea that you have to trade him now or lose him for nothing ignores the fact that the Lakers have his Bird Rights. They can pay him. The question is just whether they want to pay the luxury tax bill that comes with it.
The Defensive Hole
Yeah, the defense is a problem. Reaves isn't a lockdown wing. He gets targeted in the pick-and-roll, especially when teams pair him against elite speed. But is trading your second-best offensive weapon for a guy like Myles Turner or Walker Kessler really the fix?
If you move Austin, you're putting a mountain of pressure on guys like Dalton Knecht or Gabe Vincent to fill a 26-point hole. That’s a lot to ask.
Looking at the Reality of 2026
The Western Conference is terrifying right now. You’ve got Oklahoma City looking like a juggernaut and the Suns still hanging around. For the Lakers to actually make a run, they need more high-level talent, not less.
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Reaves has missed a few games lately with a Grade 2 calf strain (technically a gastrocnemius strain, if we're being fancy), and you can see the impact immediately. The offense gets stagnant. Everything becomes "Luka-ball," which is great until Luka gets tired in the fourth quarter.
Reaves is the pressure valve.
What to expect next
The trade deadline is looming. If the Lakers do make a move, expect it to involve smaller pieces—maybe Rui Hachimura or some of the younger assets—rather than the guy wearing number 15.
Actionable Insights for Lakers Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Reaves is expected back around late January. His health determines the Lakers' seeding. If he's 100%, they can push for a top-3 spot.
- Don't panic at the rumors: Trade talk is a byproduct of his value. High-value players get talked about. It doesn't mean a deal is imminent.
- Focus on the Bench: Keep an eye on how JJ Redick utilizes the rotation. The Lakers need a defensive big, but they likely won't sacrifice their offensive core to get one.
The reality is that Austin Reaves has gone from an undrafted underdog to the most indispensable player on the roster not named Luka. Trading him wouldn't just be a gamble; it would be a total shift in the team's identity. In a city built on stars, Reaves has earned his place under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Lakers' defensive rotations over the next ten games. If Redick can't find a way to hide Reaves and Dončić on that end, the pressure on Pelinka to make a "big" move will only intensify, regardless of how many points Austin puts on the board.