Austin Reaves’ LeBron Retirement Quote Ignites Lakers Trade Idea
The most pressing issue for the Los Angeles Lakers beginning the 2025-26 NBA season is the notable absence of LeBron James. However, as he slowly recovers from dealing with sciatica, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have taken the reins for the Lakers to start the year.
While the future of Doncic is set in stone in Los Angeles, the plans for James and Reaves over the next 12 months are relatively uncertain. With James likely controlling his destiny, Reaves
However, Reaves recently made comments that could drastically impact his future with the Lakers. Though it came off in a joking manner, the 27-year-old urged his teammate, James, to retire.
“If I was LeBron James, I probably would’ve retired by now, but he’s one of the greatest players to ever touch the basketball, so you have to do it as a collective group,
As has been seen in the past, criticisms of James coming from his own teammates usually
New Austin Reaves Trade Team Named
Again, Reaves’ comments came as a seemingly joking hypothetical after explaining how the Lakers were missing a player like James to fill in the gaps for them in the loss against Golden State.
However, that doesn’t change the fact that he has been one of the top players in trade rumors over the past few months. With that, Reaves has been mock traded to the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen or Walker Kessler, the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga,and even to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While none of those deals have ever come to fruition, a new team was recently mentioned as a potential landing spot for Reaves, if the Lakers decide he either isn’t a great fit next to Doncic or is asking for too large a contract extension.
In a new article by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Minnesota Timberwolves were urged to target Reaves as an impactful addition for their current roster. While they already have Anthony Edwards playing the role of franchise superstar, Swartz wrote that Reaves would be a strong replacement for Donte DiVincenzo.
“The Minnesota Timberwolves are still searching for a franchise point guard to pair alongside Anthony Edwards… (and) Austin Reaves is a better overall version of DiVincenzo,” he wrote. “Contract concerns could cause the Lakers to sniff around Reaves’ trade market.”
Reaves reportedly declined his player option and an extension from the Lakers for next season, set for restricted free agency with hopes of landing a big deal. The team could choose to deal him somewhere like Minnesota in a sign-and-trade if they don’t want to pay him next summer.
Lakers Injuries To Begin The Year
As has been the case for Reaves his entire Lakers tenure, the star will continue to be in consistent trade rumors, regardless of what he says, his play on the court, or anything else. But while Los Angeles is dealing with injuries to James, Maxi Kleber, and other rotational players, the status of Reaves himself might be in question.
After the Lakers lost to the Warriors in their season opener, it was reported that both Doncic and Reaves had suffered minor injuries. According to head coach JJ Redick, Reaves, suffering from ankle discomfort, expects to play in the
He isn’t on the injury report, and Redick said, “I know Austin and I expect him to play,” according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha
The same can be said for Doncic, who suffered a groin injury, as he and Redick don’t believe it is anything too serious.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said to
He seems to be fine. I
Both Doncic and Reaves were the stars of the show for Los Angeles, as they combined for nearly two-thirds of the team’s
Warriors Urged To Target $175 Million Superstar Forward By Colin Cowherd
The 2025-26 Golden State Warriors have been built on a veteran core. Steve Kerr’s leading stars are Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford, all of whom are on the wrong side of 30.
There’s no doubt that Steve Kerr’s roster will be a threat in the Western Conference. They have exceptional experience across the team, a superstar point guard, and some young, upcoming talent in Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.
However, Fox Sports’ Collin Cowherd believes that building around some of the league’s elder statesmen will ensure the Warriors struggle to secure a championship. As such, he thinks the Warriors should do everything in their power to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.
“I would trade Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and four first-round picks for Giannis and see if it’s enough,” Cowherd said. “…Steve Kerr’s too smart to think that, yeah, these old guys— I don’t buy it. I think Warriors tickets are expensive; as long as Steph’s around, they’re fun. The West is young, athletic on the wing, great rim protectors everywhere.”
Cowherd’s trade proposal for Giannis would likely fall short of what the Milwaukee Bucks would be looking for. However, if the Warriors were willing to include additional young talent such as Podziemski, Moses Moody, or even Trayce Jackson-Davis, a deal could be agreed.
Giannis Would Thrive Next To Stephen Curry
We’ve already seen how well Butler fits next to Curry, primarily due to the veteran forward’s ability to capitalize on the space Curry’s movement creates. In theory, Giannis could do the same. His style is similar to Butler’s in that he’s at his best downhill and can use his penetration to manipulate defenses and create for shooters on the perimeter.
Giannis is also a blur in transition, and can be unstoppable when building up steam on full-court darts to the rim. With both Green and Horford on the floor, Giannis would have elite defenders around him, too. Both veteran forwards can also space the floor on the perimeter and create out of multiple scenarios.
A star pairing of Giannis and Curry would undoubtedly catapult the Warriors into championship contention. Nevertheless, Milwaukee will likely do everything in its power to resist the temptation to cash in on its two-time MVP.
Giannis Is Unlikely To Join The Warriors
When speaking with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, following reports that the New York Knicks were at the top of Giannis’ preferred destinations, he reiterated his commitment to the Bucks.
“When the season starts, I try to get off social media and I try to focus on my craft and the team, but yeah, I’ve said many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates,” Antetokounmpo said. “…So all the extra stuff does not matter. I think I’ve communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter.”
Golden State has looked to begin the season. They should be in no rush to make any significant moves. The current roster is more than good enough to contend for a championship. However, if the team falls short this season, the Warriors should certainly explore what it would take to bring him to the Bay Area next summer.
