The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to explore blockbuster trade scenarios involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, but Luka Doncic reportedly already has one major condition.
According to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Doncic has made it clear internally that he wants Austin Reaves to remain part of the Lakers’ long-term core rather than being included in any potential deal for Antetokounmpo.
The report added that Doncic’s stance became even more direct during internal conversations involving possible Giannis trade frameworks.
“Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Doncic told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Woike and Amick wrote.
The situation creates a difficult balancing act for the Lakers’ front office after a 53-29 regular season that ended with a second-round sweep against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles defeated the Houston Rockets in six games during the first round before losing four straight in the Western Conference semifinals.
Doncic missed the end of the regular season and the entire postseason because of a hamstring injury, leaving the Lakers without their leading scorer during their playoff collapse. The Slovenian star averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds across 64 regular-season games while shooting 47.6% from the field.
Reaves, meanwhile, delivered the best season of his career and strengthened his value around the league. The 27-year-old guard averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 51 regular-season appearances while shooting 49% overall and 36% from three-point range.
The timing is significant because Reaves is entering a major contract summer with the Lakers. Theguard has completed the first three seasons of his four-year, $54 million contract and owns a player option for next season.
Woike and Amick also reported that rival executives believe Reaves could command roughly $40 million annually on his next contract because of his age, production and a weak upcoming free-agent market.
“The question on the Lakers’ side of the boardroom table is where they see Reaves’ price point in relation to their larger roster goals,” the report stated. “Per high-ranking team sources, the commitment to roster balance will guide their process.”
The Lakers currently have limited trade flexibility despite interest in adding another superstar next to Doncic and LeBron James. According to the report, the franchise has access to only three first-round picks, one second-round pick, swap rights and a small group of young players viewed positively across the league.
That reality makes Reaves one of the organization’s most valuable trade assets, which is why Doncic’s reported position could become one of the defining storylines of the Lakers’ offseason.
The report also noted that Doncic has maintained regular contact with new Lakers owner Mark Walter and has been impressed with the communication from ownership since arriving in Los Angeles.
