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Lakers Reportedly Considering Blockbuster Trade: Austin Reaves for… read more

The Los Angeles Lakers may be exploring one of the boldest trade scenarios in recent memory—sending rising star Austin Reaves to the Milwaukee Bucks in a package for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to recent speculation, the Lakers are weighing their options with Reaves, who could soon outgrow his current contract. Under the NBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Los Angeles can offer Reaves a maximum contract extension of $82.9 million over four years, averaging $20.8 million per season, starting in 2026.

However, the 26-year-old guard may choose to bet on himself and enter free agency instead. If he maintains or elevates his level of production, he could command a much more lucrative deal—potentially up to $142.5 million on the open market. That looming possibility has reportedly raised concerns within the Lakers’ front office, who don’t want to risk losing Reaves for nothing in return.

As a result, trading Reaves while his value is high—and before contract negotiations complicate matters—might be the most strategic move for a Lakers team eager to remain competitive in the championship race.

Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks superstar has long been considered untouchable, but recent reports suggest the situation in Milwaukee could be shifting. If Antetokounmpo expresses a desire to leave or hints at dissatisfaction with the direction of the franchise, the Bucks may be forced to consider trade offers to avoid losing him for nothing, much like the Lakers’ situation with Reaves—but on a far grander scale.

Yahoo Sports’ Eddie Bitar has proposed one such trade scenario that would shake the NBA landscape:

Proposed Trade:

Lakers Receive:

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks Receive:

Austin Reaves

Rui Hachimura

Jarred Vanderbilt

Dalton Knecht

2031 First-Round Pick

2026 First-Round Pick Swap

From the Lakers’ perspective, acquiring Giannis would instantly vault them into championship contention and potentially extend their title window for years, especially if LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain healthy and committed. Pairing Giannis with that duo would create a new superteam in Los Angeles.

For the Bucks, this deal offers a promising young core, solid role players, and valuable draft assets. Reaves is a high-IQ playmaker and scorer, Hachimura and Vanderbilt bring versatility and defense, and Knecht is a talented rookie with scoring upside. The picks provide long-term flexibility in the post-Giannis era.

While nothing is confirmed, this proposed trade reflects the current reality: the Lakers are in win-now mode, and difficult roster decisions are on the horizon. Trading Reaves would be a tough pill to swallow for fans, but landing a generational talent like Giannis might be too tempting to ignore.

What are your thoughts on this trade idea? Should the Lakers go all-in for Giannis, or hold on to their young core?