Lakers Floated in Trade Idea for $175M All-Star Forward

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the summer with speculation swirling around LeBron James. Would he really consider asking out? That narrative has cooled, but it left behind a lingering question: are the Lakers truly aligned with James’ win-now timeline?

James’ camp has made it clear where he stands. “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

That tension between short-term contention and long-term building has fueled one blockbuster trade idea that could dramatically reshape the franchise.

A Lakers Blockbuster Involving Austin Reaves

Sports Illustrated’s Alex Kirschenbaum recently floated the possibility of the Lakers packaging Austin Reaves in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo — a nine-time All-Star and former MVP currently on a $175 million contract.

“L.A. can trade its own 2031 first-rounder, its 2032 second-rounder, and swap rights to its first-round picks in 2026, ’28, ’30 and ’32,” Kirschenbaum wrote. “Would Reaves, those assets, 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht, and some contracts be enough to interest Milwaukee?”

The proposal would cost the Lakers one of their most beloved role players in Reaves, but landing Giannis would unquestionably signal to LeBron that the franchise is all-in.

The Stakes Around LeBron James

James has already given the Lakers a championship in 2020. Adding Antetokounmpo could open the door for another, with Giannis still expected to dominate even as he enters his 30s.

Former teammate Markieff Morris recently told the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast that he still sees several elite years left in LeBron. “What’s he right now, 41, 42? He for sure can play until 46,” Morris said. “That’s for a fact, that’s factual. He’s 42 and he’s still having the best years of his career.”

Pairing James with Giannis would create one of the most dominant frontcourts in NBA history, and potentially buy LeBron those final years of legitimate title contention.

The Difficult Part: Letting Go of Reaves

Trading Reaves wouldn’t come easy for the Lakers or their fan base. The 26-year-old has carved out a reputation as a grinder who stepped up in big playoff moments. But he is also expected to decline his player option next summer, putting his future in doubt.

In that sense, moving him in a Giannis deal could be one of the few ways Los Angeles justifies parting with him. A potential core of LeBron, Giannis, and Luka Dončić — if the Lakers succeed in keeping their options open with Doncic down the line — would be one of the most fearsome trios ever assembled.

What Comes Next for the Lakers?

As training camp approaches, the Lakers’ dilemma remains the same: commit to winning immediately or hedge for the future. A bold swing for Antetokounmpo would fall firmly into the first camp.

It’s only a prediction for now. But if the Lakers want to prove to LeBron that they’re serious about maximizing his remaining window, this is exactly the kind of headline-grabbing move that would do it.