The Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA when they acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade in February 2025, parting ways with Anthony Davis to secure the Slovenian superstar. The move signaled an all-in push to build a championship contender around Doncic and LeBron James. However, the trade left the Lakers with a glaring hole at center, a problem that persists as they navigate the 2025-26 season. With DeAndre Ayton currently penciled in as the starting center, doubts linger about whether he’s the final piece of the puzzle—or if the Lakers are poised for another seismic move to solidify their roster.
A recent trade proposal from Bleacher Report has ignited fresh speculation about the Lakers’ next steps. The proposed deal would see Los Angeles part with fan-favorite Austin Reaves and a future first-round pick to acquire Dallas Mavericks’ rising star Dereck Lively II and versatile wing Caleb Martin. Valued at a combined $54 million in salary, this trade could reunite Doncic with his former Mavericks teammate Lively, while adding Martin’s two-way prowess to create a superteam built for immediate title contention.
The Proposed Trade Breakdown
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
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Dereck Lively II (Center, Dallas Mavericks): A 21-year-old defensive anchor with a 7’1” frame, Lively is a rim-protecting, lob-catching big man who developed strong chemistry with Doncic during their time in Dallas. His $5.7 million salary for the 2025-26 season makes him a cost-effective cornerstone for the future.
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Caleb Martin (Forward, Dallas Mavericks): A 30-year-old two-way wing with playoff pedigree, Martin brings defensive tenacity and clutch shooting. His $8.2 million contract adds flexibility to the Lakers’ roster.
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
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Austin Reaves (Guard, Los Angeles Lakers): The 27-year-old guard has been a revelation for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season. His $12.9 million salary and impending free agency make him a valuable but expendable asset.
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2031 First-Round Pick: A future asset to sweeten the deal for Dallas, giving them flexibility to rebuild or retool around their new core.
Why the Lakers Are Considering This Move
Trading Austin Reaves would be a gut punch for Lakers fans. The homegrown guard has endeared himself to the purple-and-gold faithful with his hustle, clutch performances, and playmaking (career-high 5.5 assists per game in 2024-25). However, his fit alongside Doncic raises concerns. Both players thrive with the ball in their hands, and pairing them in the backcourt could create defensive vulnerabilities, especially against elite guards like Stephen Curry or Devin Booker. As Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley noted, “Reaves is a really good player, but his growth potential is probably limited by his age, and he might be super expensive by this time next year.”
In contrast, Dereck Lively II offers exactly what the Lakers need: a young, defensive-minded center who can anchor the paint and thrive in Doncic’s pick-and-roll-heavy system. During his time with the Mavericks, Lively averaged 8.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and finish lobs from Doncic. His familiarity with Doncic’s playstyle would ensure a seamless transition, addressing the frontcourt issues that plagued the Lakers after losing Anthony Davis.
Caleb Martin, meanwhile, adds postseason-proven depth. The former Miami Heat standout averaged 10.0 points and 4.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season, shooting 35.7% from three. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open shots makes him an ideal complement to LeBron James, who continues to defy age at 40 with 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season.
Addressing the Lakers’ Roster Needs
To maximize Luka Doncic’s prime (he’s 26 and coming off a 33.9-point, 9.2-assist season), the Lakers must surround him with players who complement his heliocentric style. The ideal supporting cast should:
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Defend at an elite level: Lively’s rim protection and Martin’s versatility address the Lakers’ 20th-ranked defensive rating (115.2) from the 2024-25 season.
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Space the floor: Martin’s 35.7% three-point shooting and Lively’s ability to draw defenders to the paint create room for Doncic and James to operate.
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Sync with Doncic’s rhythm: Lively’s prior chemistry with Doncic ensures quick integration, while Martin’s experience in high-pressure playoff moments adds reliability.
DeAndre Ayton, the current starting center, brings scoring (16.7 points per game last season) but lacks the defensive instincts and Doncic synergy that Lively offers. The failed trade for Charlotte’s Mark Williams earlier this year, derailed by a physical, only underscored the Lakers’ need for a long-term solution in the paint. Lively, at just 21, represents a high-upside investment who could grow alongside Doncic for years.
The Risks and Rewards
The biggest hurdle is letting go of Austin Reaves. His versatility and fan appeal make him a tough trade piece, and his departure could strain the Lakers’ backcourt depth. However, with Doncic and James handling primary playmaking duties, Reaves’ role is somewhat redundant. The 2031 first-round pick adds risk, as the Lakers have already mortgaged much of their future to acquire Doncic. But if Lively develops into a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and Martin maintains his two-way impact, the trade could solidify a championship core.
For Dallas, Reaves offers a reliable scoring and playmaking guard to pair with Kyrie Irving, while the 2031 pick provides long-term flexibility. The Mavericks, still reeling from losing Doncic, would gain assets to stay competitive in the West.
The Path to a Superteam
Pairing Lively and Martin with Doncic, James, and Ayton (potentially as a sixth man) creates a formidable lineup. Imagine a starting five of Doncic, D’Angelo Russell, Martin, James, and Lively, with Ayton and Rui Hachimura providing scoring punch off the bench. This roster balances defense, shooting, and playmaking, giving the Lakers a real shot at their 18th championship.
The Lakers are at a crossroads. Holding onto Reaves could secure a beloved player with long-term potential, but trading him for Lively and Martin aligns with the win-now mandate of the Doncic-James era. If Los Angeles pulls off this $54 million heist, they could transform into an unstoppable superteam, ready to dominate the NBA. The question is: are they bold enough to make the move?