The Los Angeles Lakers early-season narrative has shifted dramatically thanks to Austin Reaves. After a 28-point, 16-assist performance in Wednesday’s 116–115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Reaves has solidified himself as the team’s primary offensive engine, sparking bold trade speculation: could LeBron James and Bronny be moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and a 2030 first-round pick?
FanDuel Sportsbook suggests this very scenario, giving the Cavs their former GOAT back while the Lakers pivot to a core built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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Could Austin Reaves Make LeBron James a Trade Asset for the Lakers?
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Through five games, Reaves is averaging 34.2 points, 10 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 52.5 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three, and 89.7 percent from the line. He is the first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2005 to open a season with five straight 25-point games. These numbers have made Reaves not just a temporary fill-in but a legitimate centerpiece capable of reshaping the roster strategy.
Chandler Parsons highlighted Reaves’ growing importance on FanDuel’s Run It Back, stating, “If we’re going to do an order when LeBron James comes back, I think Austin Reaves is the second option even when LeBron James comes back. He’s a 41-year-old man…But if you’re looking at what this kid is doing and what they need on this roster, I think he’s the second option.”
Skip Bayless added, “Show me another undrafted NBA player…who’s more successful than Austin Reaves. Show me more firepower. Show me more talent.”
Lakers Trade Rumors: LeBron’s Trade Value in a Youth-Driven Core
Reaves’ emergence provides LA with flexibility in ways they haven’t had in years. With both James and Doncic sidelined at points this season, Reaves has shown he can shoulder scoring and playmaking responsibilities. This could make the idea of trading LeBron—once unthinkable—more plausible. Sending LeBron and Bronny to Cleveland would allow the Lakers to fully commit to a young, dynamic core, while also acquiring Garland, Hunter, and future draft capital to support long-term competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
As the Lakers continue to rely on Reaves’ explosiveness, their upcoming matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and the Miami Heat on Sunday will offer more insight into how this youth-driven approach can compete in the present while shaping potential roster decisions. Reaves’ historic start has made the conversation unavoidable: reshaping the Lakers around him and Doncic might not just be possible—it could be necessary.
