The Los Angeles Lakers just got a hard dose of reality in the 2025 Playoffs in the form of a gentleman’s sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were outclassed on both ends of the court as Anthony Edwards and company made them look slow, predictable, and outdated.
For a franchise built on banners and superteams, losing in five games in the first round of the playoffs has to be considered somewhat of a crisis. Especially when you consider LeBron James is staring down his 41st birthday next year, and the Lakers’ bold gamble to pair him with Luka Doncic hasn’t produced the ultimate prize (yet).
The front office knows time is running out. That’s where Austin Reaves comes in. The undrafted gem turned into an excellent third option this season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 37.7% shooting from deep. His chemistry with LeBron and Luka has been real.
But if the Lakers want to cash in and bring in another star to form a true Big Three, Reaves is their best and most movable asset: young, productive, and on a reasonable contract.
With the West only getting tougher and LeBron’s clock ticking, L.A. has no choice but to think big. We’ve identified three star players the Lakers can realistically target by putting Reaves on the table this offseason.
1. Lauri Markkanen
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade), 2031 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap
This is the home run swing. Lauri Markkanen, fresh off averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds this season while shooting 34.6% from deep in a down year, would be a dream fit next to LeBron and Luka. Remember, this is the same player who posted 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season.
The Lakers have badly needed a floor-spacing big who can punish defenses when they load up on their stars. Markkanen, at 7 feet tall, gives L.A. size and versatility, allowing them to play big without sacrificing spacing. He’s entering his prime and doesn’t need the ball to thrive, which is critical alongside two ball-dominant superstars.
From Utah Jazz’s perspective, this deal makes sense. The Jazz are shifting gears after another terrible season (17-65), and Austin Reaves gives them a young, proven combo guard.
Rui Hachimura adds scoring punch at the forward spot, and Dorian Finney-Smith provides veteran leadership and defense. Add in two future picks, including a 2031 first, and this is a package that balances present and future assets for Utah.
For the Lakers, this move forms a true Big Three: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Lauri Markkanen. Imagine the pick-and-pop game between Luka and Lauri, or LeBron feeding him for transition threes.
It solves L.A.’s spacing issues instantly while giving them another All-Star-caliber scorer who can carry the offense when needed. If Rob Pelinka wants to go all in for 2025-26, this is the most seamless and dangerous fit on the board.
2. Zach LaVine
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade), Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Round Pick
Zach LaVine has had a turbulent run with the Chicago Bulls before ending up with the Sacramento Kings, but let’s not forget: when healthy, he’s one of the most explosive scorers in the league. Before his injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign, LaVine still managed to average 23.3 points on 51.1% shooting, including a respectable 44.6% from three.
His ability to create off the dribble and light up defenses in bunches would give the Lakers the offensive firepower they lacked during their playoff flameout against Minnesota. Luka and LeBron can set the table, LaVine can break it with 30-point outbursts on any given night.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are in teardown mode after another lottery-bound season. Moving off LaVine’s sizable contract for a package headlined by Reaves, a younger, cheaper, and more team-friendly guard, allows them to reset while staying competitive.
Jarred Vanderbilt adds defensive grit and versatility, and Dorian Finney-Smith, on a sign-and-trade, gives Chicago a wing stopper they can flip later for more assets. Plus, the 2031 first-round pick adds long-term value for their rebuild.
But let’s be real: this trade is risky for the Lakers. LaVine’s health and hefty contract are question marks. But if the goal is to maximize the LeBron-Luka window, this gamble makes sense. LaVine would give them the best pure scorer they’ve had since peak Anthony Davis, and with defenses already stressed guarding Luka and LeBron, LaVine could feast.
3. Anfernee Simons
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Round Pick
If the Lakers want to get younger and add a guard who fits seamlessly next to Luka and LeBron, Anfernee Simons is their guy. The 25-year-old quietly put up strong numbers on a bad Portland team (36-46) this year: 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game while hitting 36.3% of his threes.
He’s a knockdown shooter with deep range, a capable secondary playmaker, and most importantly, he doesn’t need 20 shots a night to make an impact, which is an ideal third option in a superteam setup.
Portland, on the other hand, is leaning fully into its youth movement with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Trading Simons clears the runway for their backcourt of the future while bringing back Reaves, who offers similar versatility and two-way effort.
Jarred Vanderbilt adds a defensive presence the Blazers sorely need, and a future first-round pick gives them more draft capital to build around Scoot and Sharpe. It’s a clean, logical deal for both sides.
For L.A., Simons offers less star power than LaVine or Markkanen, but arguably a better fit. His off-ball shooting would punish teams that double Luka or LeBron. Plus, he’s young enough to grow with Luka post-LeBron, making him a bridge between eras.
This is the smart trade (not the flashiest) but potentially the most sustainable if L.A. wants to contend both now and in the years ahead.
