Why Austin Reaves Should Be Part of a Giannis Trade

A recent report by Evan Sidery of Forbes revealed league executives believe Austin Reaves is the best asset for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. This opens up a question that the Lakers should not overthink the answer to. Should Austin Reaves be on the block for a Giannis deal?

League executives believe the Lakers have the best asset for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade in Austin Reaves.

Reaves alongside LA’s expiring contracts works salary-wise with the Bucks.

The question is, would the Lakers even consider making Reaves available with his current play? pic.twitter.com/lUnNko8NXM

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 5, 2025

Trading Reaves at Peak Value 

It is no secret that Austin Reaves is having a career year. He may even be an All-Star. Reaves is averaging nearly 28 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. All while posting a 50/37/87 slash line. This can be viewed as a reason to keep Reaves and pay him this summer. It also means there is no better time to trade him.

The Lakers over the past half-decade have often mismanaged their assets. However, there is no mismanaging Reaves in his current form. While the TalenHorton-Tuckers of the world did not land LA a star, Reaves can.

The Case for Giannis over Reaves

Having to create a case for the Lakers to want Giannis seems silly. But it appears it may have to be made. Just strictly looking from a numbers perspective, Reaves “career year” is just another for the Greek Freak.

To begin this season, Giannis is averaging just shy of 29 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. He is also averaging nearly a steal and a block per game. His efficiency this season is excellent. He currently boasts a 63.9% field goal percentage. Giannis is even shooting 43.5% from 3-point land on 1.5 attempts per game.

This is all without mentioning his defensive impact beyond the numbers. Giannis is so consistent on defense that people forget how elite he truly is. He has an argument for DPOY every season. Not to mention his resume as an MVP, champion, and Finals MVP. From an individual perspective, Giannis is one of one.

How Giannis Fits

As it stands, the Lakers will have two problems when they run into the juggernauts of the West: size and defense. The Lakers already got exposed by the Thunder this season. Plus, matchups with teams that have multiple bigs, such as the Nuggets and Rockets, loom.

Giannis fixes most, if not all, of these problems. Not only can he defend multiple positions, but he is also an excellent rebounder. In addition, few teams would have multiple players with the strength and skill to handle LeBron James and Giannis going downhill. Not to mention also guarding Luka Doncic on the perimeter.

While Austin Reaves looks good alongside Doncic on the perimeter, the fit come playoff time is concerning. While the Lakers would lose some 3-point capability in a deal, they are already a below-average shooting team. Embracing a post-up, two-point-heavy offense is not the worst idea.

Wrap Up 

While Austin Reaves has become a fan favorite, sacrificing him in a deal alongside the Lakers’ other expiring contracts for a multi-time MVP and DPOY is a no-brainer. With Giannis only 3 years older than Reaves, he does not alter the Lakers’ timeline. It means he can be Luka’s new co-star, the Lakers are hoping to acquire by 2027.

The Lakers already made a big deal for a European superstar. Everyone has seen how well that is going. So why not try it again?