NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emerge

As the 2025 NBA offseason heats up, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The organization, aiming to maximize the remaining prime years of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is actively exploring trade possibilities that could reshape their roster for a deep playoff run. Central to the ongoing discussions is guard Austin Reaves, a fan favorite and emerging talent, whose future with the Lakers is suddenly less certain amid the frontcourt overhaul. At the same time, two intriguing center targets have emerged as key options for the Lakers, both offering different strengths that could address their glaring needs in the paint.

This article dives deep into the latest NBA rumors around the Lakers’ trade strategy involving Austin Reaves and evaluates the two main centers currently linked to the team.

Austin Reaves: The Rising Star

Austin Reaves, originally undrafted, has been one of the Lakers’ best stories in recent seasons. Through hard work, consistency, and undeniable skill, Reaves carved out a crucial role on the roster. In the 2024-2025 season, Reaves averaged around 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while showing versatility as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. His ability to stretch the floor with a reliable three-point shot (around 35%) and his basketball IQ have made him a favorite of coach Darvin Ham and Lakers fans alike.

Despite his rise, rumors have started swirling that the Lakers front office might consider trading Reaves. This may come as a shock to many, but the team’s urgent need to strengthen the center position might require leveraging Reaves’ value to facilitate a deal.

Why Trade Austin Reaves?

Trading a player like Austin Reaves is never an easy decision, especially given his popularity and development. However, the Lakers’ situation is unique. Following the trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Dončić, the Lakers have significantly boosted their backcourt firepower but left a sizable void in their frontcourt. The Lakers need a true starting-caliber center who can protect the rim, rebound aggressively, and offer some offensive threat inside.

Reaves, while valuable as a guard, is unlikely to fill those frontcourt gaps. The Lakers’ brass sees his high trade value as a potential key to acquiring the center they need. Moving Reaves might be the price to pay for securing that missing piece to make this team a legitimate title contender.

The Lakers’ Frontcourt Problem

The departure of Davis dramatically changed the Lakers’ roster dynamics. While Dončić brings elite playmaking and scoring, the lack of a dominant big man inside has been glaring. The Lakers have experimented with various options at center, including Jarred Vanderbilt, Thomas Bryant, and rookie Jericho Sims, but none have proven to be a true defensive anchor or consistent force on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James, though still an all-time great, is gradually shifting away from playing heavy minutes at center or power forward. With the league evolving, teams like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors have established frontcourt dominance that the Lakers currently lack.

As a result, the Lakers’ front office is aggressively scouting trade targets at center who can anchor their defense and complement their star-studded backcourt.

Two Centers Emerge as Prime Targets

In the latest trade rumors, two centers have emerged as prime candidates for the Lakers’ next big move:

1. Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)

Walker Kessler, a young 7-foot shot-blocking specialist, has quickly become one of the NBA’s most promising rim protectors. Selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, Kessler has impressed with his athleticism, timing, and defensive instincts. In his rookie season, he averaged over 2 blocks per game, showcasing his potential to be a defensive game-changer.

For the Lakers, Kessler represents a youthful, high-upside center who can anchor the paint for years. The Utah Jazz, who are in a rebuilding phase after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in previous seasons, might be open to trading Kessler for a package of players and picks that help accelerate their rebuild.

Kessler’s defensive prowess and ability to run the floor fit well with the Lakers’ style under Darvin Ham, who values pace and switching defenses. Adding Kessler would allow LeBron and Dončić to play more freely knowing the rim is protected.

2. Jusuf Nurkić (Portland Trail Blazers)

Jusuf Nurkić is a veteran center known for his physicality, rebounding, and mid-range scoring ability. Though injuries have slowed his recent impact, Nurkić remains a respected presence in the paint. At 6-foot-11, he’s strong and capable of playing with toughness on both ends.

For the Lakers, Nurkić offers an immediate upgrade at center who has playoff experience and toughness. Portland, facing a rebuild and seeking to clear cap space, might be motivated to move Nurkić if the return package helps with their youth movement.

Unlike Kessler, Nurkić provides a more experienced and physical presence rather than a pure shot-blocking specialist. His ability to set screens, roll to the basket, and finish plays could complement the Lakers’ playmakers.

Trade Scenarios Involving Austin Reaves

The Lakers face a difficult decision: part with one of their most promising young guards or try to acquire a center through other means. Trading Reaves could facilitate a blockbuster deal but risks impacting the team’s backcourt depth.

Here are potential trade scenarios currently circulating in the rumor mill:

• Reaves to Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler + picks: The Lakers send Reaves to the Jazz, acquiring Kessler and future draft capital. This deal would give Utah a young, skilled guard to help their rebuild while providing the Lakers with defensive rim protection and youth.
• Reaves to Portland Trail Blazers for Jusuf Nurkić: This trade would bring an experienced big man who can immediately step into a starting role. The Lakers give up backcourt depth for frontcourt toughness, hoping Nurkić’s veteran presence offsets the loss.
• Multi-team trade: Some rumors suggest involving a third team to facilitate player and salary matching, potentially involving Lakers’ bench players like Malik Beasley or Jarred Vanderbilt as additional assets.

Potential Risks and Rewards

Risks:

• Losing Backcourt Depth: Trading Reaves could hurt the Lakers’ perimeter scoring and playmaking, especially if Dončić struggles to adjust to a new team dynamic.
• Injury Concerns: Both Kessler and Nurkić have relatively good health but come with their own risk factors. Nurkić’s injury history is a concern.
• Chemistry Issues: Integrating a new center and losing a popular player like Reaves may disrupt team chemistry, especially with LeBron’s leadership style.

Rewards:

• Frontcourt Stability: Acquiring a center who can protect the rim and rebound gives the Lakers a more balanced lineup.
• Championship Window: With LeBron aging, maximizing this season’s roster to contend is critical.
• Long-Term Potential: Kessler offers a long-term defensive anchor if the Lakers opt for youth.

What Are Fans Saying?

The Lakers’ fanbase is split. Some are vocal about keeping Austin Reaves, who they see as the future of the franchise. Others acknowledge that without a true center, championship aspirations will remain just that — aspirations.

Social media debates rage with comments like:

• “Reaves is our future, don’t trade him!”
• “We NEED a center to protect Bron and Luka.”
• “If the price is right for Kessler, do it now.”
• “Nurkić gives us toughness, but is he the long-term answer?”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Lakers?

The next few weeks will be crucial. The Lakers’ front office must weigh their options carefully. Will they commit to trading Austin Reaves, or try to acquire a center via free agency or lesser moves? The answers will reveal the team’s commitment to winning now versus building for the future.

LeBron and Dončić will undoubtedly have input, as both superstars want to surround themselves with complementary pieces to make a title run possible.

The Los Angeles Lakers stand at a crossroads with their roster. Austin Reaves has emerged as a valuable asset and key contributor, but the pressing need to address the center position looms large. With Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkić emerging as the top trade targets, the Lakers’ front office faces a strategic dilemma: trade a rising guard to acquire a frontcourt anchor or risk competing without the defensive presence necessary to contend in the stacked Western Conference.

How the Lakers navigate this situation will define their championship window and the next chapter in one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.