The Los Angeles Lakers are confronting critical choices this offseason as they fully embrace their new chapter with Luka Doncic. Following the unexpected acquisition of Doncic, the Lakers had limited time to maneuver trades before the deadline, culminating in a first-round playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025. At the center of this period of reflection is the Austin Reaves trade debate in Lakers offseason discussions.

Roster Challenges Highlight Need for Key Moves

The Lakers enter the offseason with a glaring need for a starting center, which poses a major challenge for a roster built around Doncic. However, LA’s shortage of draft capital and valuable assets hampers their ability to acquire this crucial position. Internal discussions have intensified around potentially trading two key role players, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, to address these gaps despite their contributions over the past two and a half seasons.

Sources familiar with the team‘s deliberations indicate strong divisions within the Lakers’ front office about how to proceed with these players. Reporter Anthony Irwin shared on Wednesday:

“According to league and team sources, a fierce debate has broken out about what to do with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.”

Both athletes have been integral contributors to the Lakers as dependable role players, but the team’s poor postseason performance, including a 2-12 record across their last 14 playoff games, has heightened pressure to upgrade the roster at multiple positions. While Reaves and Hachimura bring valuable skills, their fit alongside Doncic and LeBron James is increasingly questioned due to their respective limitations.

Why the Lakers Lean Toward Trading Rui Hachimura Over Austin Reaves

According to Irwin’s reporting on NBA trade whispers, the Lakers are hesitant to trade Austin Reaves unless a return involving an All-Star caliber player arises. The current market, however, lacks such trade assets, and teams holding high-level stars have little incentive to pursue a deal involving Reaves given his impending free agency in 2026. Furthermore, Reaves’ lower salary complicates trades, as acquiring teams may need to absorb less desirable contracts to match salaries.

Conversely, Rui Hachimura, who is set to earn $18.26 million next season under an expiring contract, fits more cleanly into a potential trade. Despite being a better positional fit on the wing than Reaves, Hachimura’s financial and contractual situation makes him a more feasible piece for the Lakers to move. The likelihood of his departure grows considering the possible returns of LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith, who both hold player options, potentially crowding the wing rotation alongside Doncic, Hachimura, and Finney-Smith.

If the Lakers cannot acquire a starting center directly, moving Hachimura could help secure a strong point-of-attack defender who complements the offensive talents of Doncic and James. From there, LA might pursue temporary solutions at the center position, aiming for deadline or future offseason trades once they have more transactional flexibility and additional trade assets.

Implications for the Lakers’ Future Roster Strategy

The decisions made this offseason regarding Reaves and Hachimura will significantly shape the Lakers’ trajectory in the Doncic era. Retaining Reaves could mean maintaining a reliable, homegrown talent with upside, though it limits cap space and trade options. Trading Hachimura, who commands a notable salary and an expiring contract, would provide more maneuverability to address the team’s most pressing needs, particularly in defense and interior presence.

The Lakers are balancing the immediate desire to improve a flawed roster against long-term planning for sustained competitiveness. As LeBron James’ future remains uncertain and Doncic steps further into his leadership role, the front office’s unresolved debates reflect the tension between loyalty to key contributors and the urgent necessity for reinforcements.

Ultimately, how LA handles the Austin Reaves trade debate in Lakers offseason discussions will be a defining factor in their ability to rebound from their playoff disappointment and maximize the potential of their star-studded lineup.