New Lakers Rumors on Giannis Trade, Luka's Influence on Austin Reaves Contract After Thunder Loss

Heading into one of the most consequential offseasons in recent franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers could be aiming high in their quest to build a roster around Luka Dončić.

Per The Athletic's Dan Woike and Sam Amick, the Lakers are "expected to explore" trades involving Giannis Antetokounmpo even though Dončić's preference would be for the Lakers to construct a squad around him and Austin Reaves:

"Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves, according to league sources. Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece next to him. Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn't want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dončić, those sources say, would strongly prefer a team construction that includes him and Reaves alongside whatever star the Lakers could acquire."

Reaves' future will be one of the first things the Lakers have to figure out. He could be in line for a massive raise if he opts out of his $14.9 million salary for the 2026-27 season.

After averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game in 51 appearances this season, Reaves has a lot of leverage if he decides to become a free agent. He would be eligible to sign for up to $239.3 million over five years on a new deal with the Lakers this summer.

If Reaves explores the market outside of Los Angeles, the most he could get from another team is $177.4 million over four years.

Between Reaves potentially becoming a free agent and LeBron James' current contract set to expire, the Lakers are projected to be at least $93.5 million under the tax and $114.5 million under the second apron to make a big splash.

It's unclear at this point if Antetokounmpo will be traded by the Milwaukee Bucks, but co-governor Jimmy Haslam told reporters last week that it would be in everyone's best interest for a resolution, one way or another, to come before the draft.

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Lakers can only trade first-round picks in 2031 and '33 right now. They also have a 2032 selection that could be moved, but it can't be paired with the '31 or '33 picks due to the Stepien Rule.

Marks noted the Lakers can include first-round swaps in 2028, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033.

The Reaves' decision might be the most impactful one for the Lakers as they look to determine what a roster led by Dončić needs to be a title contender. He has been a terrific fit for the offense over the past two seasons, but his defensive limitations have caused problems in the playoffs.

Even if you want to cut Reaves some slack for this postseason because he returned ahead of schedule from an oblique injury to try helping the team, his defense was a problem in the first round last year against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since Dončić is also not regarded as a plus defensive player, building a title contender around a backcourt that opposing teams know they can attack is extremely difficult.

It can be done, as the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks did with Dončić and Kyrie Irving starting in the backcourt when they reached the NBA Finals.

Antetokounmpo also comes with some red flags, as he will turn 32 on Dec. 6 and has accrued a lot of lower-leg injuries over the past two seasons. He appeared in a career-low 36 games this season.

No one will argue that Antetokounmpo is a dynamic talent when he is on the floor, but the Lakers have to decide if they believe he would be good enough to make them a title contender in the remaining years of his prime to consider including Reaves, who will turn 28 on May 29, in any potential offer.

It also comes with some risk of alienating Dončić given how close he has become with Reaves since joining the Lakers in February 2025.