The Los Angeles Lakers are facing calls to trade young star Austin Reaves as their defensive issues persist, exacerbated by his recent calf injury. NBA reporter Tom Haberstroh argues that the team's trio of Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James hinders their postseason chances due to poor defense. Meanwhile, the Lakers are exploring other trade targets like Herb Jones and Keon Ellis ahead of the deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers, sitting at 19-10 in the 2025-26 NBA season, have shown flashes of contention led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James but struggle with inconsistency, particularly on defense. This has led to a three-game losing streak, with their latest defeat against the Houston Rockets highlighting vulnerabilities. Guard Austin Reaves, a former undrafted player now averaging 26.6 points per game (11th in the NBA), 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, exited that game after 15 minutes with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting due to a grade 2 left calf strain. The team announced he will miss at least the next month.
Before the injury, NBA reporter Tom Haberstroh sparked debate by suggesting the Lakers trade Reaves to address defensive woes. "The Lakers aren’t going to go deep in the postseason with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, and they need to make a move sooner than later," Haberstroh wrote on Substack. He noted that the offensive prowess of the trio—Doncic at MVP level and James efficient at nearly 41—cannot overcome the need to "hide" them defensively, calling it "untenable" for serious contenders. Haberstroh views Reaves, expected to sign an extension next summer, as the Lakers' top trade asset for roster upgrades.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers remain active in rumors. They are interested in New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones for his athletic defense, but his high asking price puts him out of reach, per ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis emerges as a more feasible target, averaging 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 assists in 29 games, shooting 39.6% from the field and 36.4% from three. While Ellis could add depth, experts doubt he would significantly boost championship odds.
