The Los Angeles Lakers brought Luka Dončić to Hollywood; now it's time to build around the Boy Wonder.
With Dončić now anchoring the Lakers alongside an aging LeBron James, the front office faces the critical task of constructing a championship-caliber team around their new superstar.
The playoffs exposed glaring weaknesses, particularly the need for a vertical spacer in the pick-and-roll and a rim-protecting big to complement Doncic’s heliocentric style.
Perhaps the Lakers need to make a big move and cut ties with one of their best players this summer.
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Bleacher Report’s Mo Dakhil recently outlined the Lakers’ situation, suggesting they consider shaking up their roster to address these needs.
“The Los Angeles Lakers made waves at the trade deadline by acquiring Luka Doncic," Dakhil wrote.
"Now comes the time to build a roster around him. The holes were evident during the playoffs. Doncic works best with a vertical spacer in the pick-and-roll. A bonus would be if that player can also protect the rim. So, the big question is, who do they get, and what does it cost them?"
Dakhil noted that guys like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht could be moved, but an even bigger name might need to be someone the Lakers consider trading.
"If the Lakers want to get wild, they can start dangling Austin Reaves in trade discussions," Dakhil wrote.
"He would be a coveted player on the market, and with a player option for the 2026-27 season, it might be tough for Los Angeles to keep him beyond the 2025-26 season. This would be a good opportunity to sell high on Reaves and add some more pieces around Doncic and an aging LeBron James.”
Reaves, a fan favorite since his undrafted rise, has been a reliable two-way guard, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 2024-25 while shooting 37.7 percent from three.
His $13.9 million salary for 2025-26 is team-friendly, making him an attractive trade chip. However, with a player option for 2026-27, Reaves could test free agency soon, potentially leaving the Lakers empty-handed.
To Dakhil's point, trading Reaves now, while his value is high could net a rim-protecting big like Myles Turner or a versatile wing to bolster the roster.
Moving Reaves would be emotional for Lakers fans. But with LeBron’s window closing and Luka's prime in full swing, the Lakers must prioritize fit over sentiment. Reaves’ trade value may never be higher, and selling high could unlock the pieces needed to maximize this new era.
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