NBA fans blasted the idea of its breakout star Austin Reaves being traded out of the team, as he had recently delivered game-after-game of excellent performance, in the absence of the team’s usual stars.
Over at X, NBA fans discussed a proposed trade idea floated by Bleacher Report, where the idea of Austin Reaves being traded by the Lakers was suggested, with the idea that the franchise would take advantage of Reave’s rising value as a breakout player.
For other fans, however, they have other suggestions for a trade, instead of Reaves.
“No,” one fan said. “Trade LeBron and Bronny instead.”
Other fans echoed the sentiment, and called out the piece for making the “worst” trade speculations.
“Worst trade speculations you can find daily lmao,” they said.
As the analysis piece from Bleacher Report has pointed out, the Lakers face a strategic dilemma as Austin Reaves emerges as a top-performing midseason trade asset: keep him as a core rotation piece or trade him now while his market value is peaking
Reaves has delivered a string of standout performances that have carried the Lakers through injuries to stars, forcing management to weigh immediate roster needs against long-term roster construction and salary-cap implications.
Financially, Reaves’ contract situation complicates decisions. He holds a $14.9 million player option for 2026–27 that he is expected to decline, and any Lakers extension would be constrained by the team’s cap picture and the presence of other max earners, making it costly to retain him long-term.
Ultimately, the analysis argues the Lakers should probably hold unless a truly elite return appears before the trade deadline. Reaves’ unique fit and the Lakers’ ability to outbid other teams on years and money provide leverage to keep him as part of the core, unless an offer materializes that shifts the franchise’s immediate title calculus.
NBA Fans Call Out Austin Reaves Trade Speculation
Over at X, NBA fans blasted one news outlet for publishing a trade speculation piece that positioned Austin Reaves for a trade out of the Lakers. For fans, Reaves is meant to be a “Lakers legend.”
“Bleacher Report has been dream casting Reaves getting traded from LA since his Summer League breakout,” one fan said. “Keep dreaming nerds, Austin a Lakers for life legend.”
One fan, meanwhile, thinks veteran superstar LeBron James needs to do something to make way for Reaves.
“Sad to say, but if LeBron wants to play another season,” they said. “He needs to take a massive paycut, if you wanna win a chip. All of your money NEEDS TO GO TO REEVES. If you let Reaves walk, then idk.”
As the regular season progresses, NBA fans are excited on what heights Austin Reaves could reach with the Lakers.
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