Jan. 16, 2026, 10:01 p.m. PT
When Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent, suggested on his “Game Over” podcast that the Los Angeles Lakers should trade emerging star guard Austin Reaves for Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., he received lots of criticism. In fact, one NBA executive even said Paul had “ruined whatever good vibes the Lakers had” and that the team “will never recover from this.”
But Reaves, for his part, didn’t seem to be bothered, or at least didn’t show any bad feelings as a result of that suggestion, according to a report in The Athletic.
“A Lakers source told The Athletic that Reaves didn’t pay much attention to Paul’s comments, but one of Reaves’ agents approached Paul at halftime of Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks to discuss,” wrote Sam Amick and The Athletic NBA staff.
Reaves is averaging 26.6 points and 6.3 assists a game and was on his way to his first All-Star game berth until he suffered a gastrocnemius strain in late December. That injury is expected to keep him out for a total of at least one month.
The Lakers have steadfastly refused to include him in any trade discussions over the past couple of years, even though a decent number of people have also suggested that trading him would be a good way for the team to upgrade its roster. L.A. currently has a 24-15 record and has lost 11 of its last 20 games, and most agree it needs more athleticism, perimeter defense and 3-point shooting in order to take the next step forward.
Reaves has one year remaining on his contract and is expected to opt out of his contract this summer in order to seek a big payday. Multiple reports have indicated that both sides are very motivated to get a new deal done that would keep him with the Purple and Gold.
