NBA fans are clearly not happy with Rich Paul proposing that Austin Reaves be traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. Paul said this in a podcast episode with Max Kellerman, which has left most ballers fans shocked and chagrined at his statements.
“If was the Lakers, I’d probably be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson. You got to figure out the package. Someway, somehow, I’d be trying to get Jaren Jackson and maybe get back GG Jackson. He’s a young player that you can develop. This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. He’s an underdog. Here’s the thing – there’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team and do what’s best for Austin because Austin deserves to get paid.” Rich Paul said, which left many fans fuming.
Rich Paul says if he was Lakers GM he would trade Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson [shocked emoji]
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 13, 2026
“And that’s why he isn’t the GM (skull emoji)” one fan said.
“Or trade LeBum for JJJ wtf…don’t nobody want to get rid of AR15 except for you and your client (face with rolling eyes emoji)” one fan added.
“Are people forgetting the first two months where it was Luka/AR and bron was hurt? Team Chemistry was at 100% and they were winning,” another fan smartly said.
Rich Paul was not joking when he said that Austin Reaves was beloved. Many Lakers believe that it will be Reaves and Luka Doncic who turn out to be the future of LA, and not even King James’ son, Bronny, deserves this honor.
NBA Fans Also Side With Rich Paul’s Comments On Austin Reaves
Surprisingly, many NBA fans also feel that Rich Paul has a great point. This is especially because Jaren Jackson Jr. is a tremendously great hooper, who will easily fill the rap that Austin Reaves will leave if he is traded and even take on many more roles with the team.
“I would too. Laker fans would never come around to it because they grew with AR, but yes – he absolutely fits with this teams needs more than AR,” one fan said.
“He’s not wrong. Anybody that thinks a Luka and reaves backcourt is winning anything besides a nba cup is crazy,” another fan added.
“I don’t blame him and I love AR. Lakers need some defensive measures to go with Luka’s offense,” one more fan pointed out.
It seems like many fans are actually agreeing to Rich Paul’s latest controversial remark. The Lakers do need a solid defense, which Jaren Jackson Jr. might easily fulfill if the proposed trade actually goes through.
