“Is Trading Austin Reaves to the Milwaukee Bucks a Bold Move Worth Considering for the Lakers?”
In the unpredictable world of professional basketball, one of the most high-stakes decisions a team can make is trading a player who has shown immense potential and growth. Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, has been known to make bold moves throughout her tenure with the franchise, from reshaping the front office to reshuffling the roster to secure championships. But when it comes to Austin Reaves, a rising star in the NBA, trading him to the Milwaukee Bucks would be a major gamble that has sparked heated debates among fans and analysts alike. So, could this be a shrewd move or a mistake that the Lakers will regret?
Austin Reaves: A Rising Star
Before we dive into the implications of such a trade, let’s take a moment to understand what Austin Reaves brings to the table. After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves quickly became a vital piece for the Lakers in his first couple of seasons. His shooting, basketball IQ, versatility, and ability to perform in clutch moments made him a fan favorite. Reaves became a key contributor, particularly during the Lakers’ playoff run in 2023, showcasing his poise and confidence on the biggest stage.
A significant factor in Reaves’ rise is his maturity on the court. He is a multi-dimensional player, capable of playing as both a shooting guard and a small forward, and he excels at playmaking. His off-the-ball movement is exceptional, often finding open space for easy shots or drawing defenders to set up plays for teammates. Most notably, Reaves’ defense has been improving season by season, something that has helped him remain in the Lakers’ rotation despite some of the team’s superstar-heavy roster.
The Lakers’ Current Situation
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in a delicate phase of their post-LeBron James’ prime transition. With the team’s focus on rebuilding and staying competitive, the Lakers are walking a fine line between maximizing their championship window and planning for the future. LeBron James, while still performing at an elite level, is nearing the twilight of his career, and Anthony Davis has proven to be one of the most dominant players when healthy, though he remains injury-prone.
The Lakers have also heavily invested in improving their depth over the last few seasons, adding role players like D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and others. However, with the increase in talent across the league—especially from teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns—the Lakers need to make smart decisions to keep pace with their competitors. The question for Jeanie Buss and the Lakers’ front office is: What is the best path forward?
Trading Austin Reaves: A Risky Gamble
Trading away Austin Reaves to the Milwaukee Bucks would certainly send shockwaves through the NBA. From the Bucks’ perspective, it makes sense. Milwaukee already boasts one of the best players in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and pairing him with a skilled, versatile player like Reaves could unlock another level of offensive dynamism. Reaves’ ability to play off the ball, his shooting touch, and his underrated defense could complement Giannis’ all-around game. With Khris Middleton aging and the Bucks looking to maintain a championship-level roster, acquiring a young, hungry player like Reaves could prove to be the spark they need to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
However, for the Lakers, trading Reaves would be a massive gamble. While it might be tempting to secure future assets, additional draft picks, or perhaps even an established star to pair with LeBron and Davis, moving Reaves would significantly hurt their long-term plans. Reaves is just scratching the surface of his potential. He has shown growth in every aspect of his game, and his contract is still relatively inexpensive compared to other rising stars in the league. Given his age and improvement trajectory, he could become a cornerstone of the Lakers for the next decade.
What Would the Lakers Lose in a Trade?
By trading Reaves, the Lakers would lose more than just a solid role player. They would lose someone who embodies the type of hard work and resilience that Lakers fans admire. His journey from undrafted to starter is a testament to his work ethic, and that resonates with the Lakers’ brand. The team’s culture, built on grit and determination, would take a hit without a player like Reaves, who’s proven to rise to the occasion.
Additionally, moving Reaves would diminish the Lakers’ depth. Reaves provides an ideal balance of scoring, defense, and playmaking, and losing him could leave the Lakers thin at the wing position. The Lakers would likely need to trade for another player to fill that gap, which is easier said than done given the lack of elite wing players available in the market.
Moreover, with LeBron James nearing the end of his career, the Lakers will need to prioritize the development of younger players who can take the reins once he retires. Austin Reaves represents the future of the franchise, and trading him away might stymie the long-term development of the team.
A Glimpse into the Bucks’ Perspective
From the Milwaukee Bucks’ standpoint, trading for Austin Reaves would be a masterstroke. With Giannis Antetokounmpo being the focal point of the franchise, the Bucks have prioritized surrounding him with complementary pieces. They’ve had a few hiccups in this quest, most notably with the inconsistency of Khris Middleton and the struggles of Jrue Holiday in recent seasons. Reaves could be the perfect fit to complement Giannis’ game—whether by spacing the floor with his shooting, running the pick-and-roll, or defending the opponent’s top perimeter players.
In addition, Reaves’ age (24) makes him a great long-term investment for a franchise that is looking to keep its championship window open for the next few years. With a core of Giannis, Reaves, and a healthy Middleton, the Bucks could build a team capable of contending for multiple seasons. This could also be an opportunity for Milwaukee to shed some contracts or involve other teams in a three-way trade, further enhancing the Bucks’ roster.
The Lakers’ Future Without Reaves
If Jeanie Buss decides to pull the trigger on trading Austin Reaves, the Lakers would need to make sure that the return is worth it. Whether it’s in the form of draft picks, young prospects, or an established star, the Lakers must ensure that the move bolsters their title chances both in the short term and the long term. The key to any trade would be maintaining a balance between winning now and preparing for the post-LeBron era.
If the Lakers can land a significant piece in return—especially a player who can fill the void left by Reaves, while also offering a substantial upgrade—they might justify the move. However, the stakes are high, and the risk is considerable.
Conclusion: A Bold but Dangerous Decision
The prospect of trading Austin Reaves to the Milwaukee Bucks is a bold decision that could shape the future of both teams. For the Lakers, it’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario. They would be betting on the future of their roster while sacrificing a player who embodies the work ethic and grit that the team has historically prided itself on. While a trade could open the door to new opportunities, it could also backfire and leave the Lakers without one of their brightest young stars.
Ultimately, Jeanie Buss and the Lakers’ front office will need to weigh the long-term potential of Reaves against the immediate benefits of any potential trade package. The decision will come down to their vision for the future and their assessment of how to build a team that can both contend for championships and remain competitive once LeBron James eventually steps away from the game. While Reaves may not be a household name yet, his growth trajectory suggests that he could soon become a key figure in the NBA, making any trade involving him a high-stakes proposition for the Lakers.
