Rich Paul, one of the most influential agents in the NBA and a close associate of LeBron James, has stirred up controversy with a bold trade proposal for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a recent podcast appearance with Max Kellerman, Paul suggested that the Lakers should consider trading fan-favorite guard Austin Reaves to acquire a defensive anchor like Memphis Grizzlies’ All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. This idea comes at a time when the Lakers are grappling with roster imbalances and Reaves’ ongoing injury concerns.
Paul’s journey in the sports world began as a childhood friend of LeBron James, leveraging that connection to build Klutch Sports Group into a powerhouse agency. His insights often carry extra weight due to his ties to James, who remains a key figure for the Lakers even in the twilight of his career. During the podcast, Paul floated the idea of targeting the Grizzlies for a deal: “If I was the Lakers, I’d probably be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson. You got to figure out the package. Someway, somehow, I’d be trying to get Jaren Jackson and maybe get back GG Jackson. He’s a young player that you can develop.”
He acknowledged the emotional attachment fans have to Reaves, calling him a “beloved underdog,” but emphasized the need for tough decisions. “This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. He’s an underdog. Here’s the thing – there’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team and do what’s best for Austin because Austin deserves to get paid.” Reaves, who has emerged as a key contributor over the past two seasons, is set to command a massive contract extension, which could strain the Lakers’ salary cap.
Why the Lakers Might Consider Trading Austin Reaves
The Lakers’ persistent issue has been an overemphasis on offensive talent at the expense of defense. With stars like LeBron James showing signs of age-related defensive decline and the team struggling against offensive powerhouses like Luka Doncic’s squads, adding elite defenders is crucial for contention. Reaves, while a strong offensive player, fits into a lineup already heavy on similar skill sets.
Trading him could allow the Lakers to address their defensive woes while placing Reaves in a situation where he becomes a bigger star and secures the lucrative deal he deserves.
However, Paul’s perspective should be viewed critically, as his comments often align with James’ interests. Still, the logic holds: Reaves’ impending max contract could lock the Lakers into an offense-first identity, limiting their flexibility.
Adding to the timing of these discussions is Reaves’ current injury status. The Lakers guard has been sidelined since late December 2025 with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain, an aggravation of a previous calf issue. According to reports, he will be reevaluated in about four weeks from the injury date, putting a potential return around January 23, 2026. Injury analyst estimates suggest he could miss up to 40 days, meaning a return as late as early February. This absence has forced lineup adjustments and highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities, potentially accelerating trade talks ahead of the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline.
Is Jaren Jackson Jr. a Worthy Upgrade Over Reaves?
Jaren Jackson Jr., at just 26 years old, is a two-time All-Star and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
His athleticism and versatility make him an ideal fit to anchor the Lakers’ defense. The Grizzlies, amid rumors of shopping Ja Morant and potentially rebuilding, might be open to deals involving Jackson for the right package.
That said, Jackson isn’t without flaws. He frequently battles foul trouble, which caps his minutes, and his offensive game hasn’t fully developed as a top option on a contending team. The Lakers would need him to make a significant leap to offset Reaves’ scoring punch. Including young prospect GG Jackson in the deal could sweeten it for LA, providing developmental upside.
Trade proposals like this have circulated, with some suggesting packages including Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt for Jackson. While it’s a blockbuster idea, it raises questions about team chemistry and fan loyalty—Reaves is a homegrown talent who embodies the underdog spirit.
Paul’s pitch underscores the harsh realities of NBA roster building: sometimes, beloved players must be moved for the greater good. With Reaves’ injury timeline pushing his return to late January or early February, the Lakers have time to evaluate but face pressure to act before the trade deadline. If both teams engage, this could reshape the Western Conference. For now, it’s a discussion worth having, even if it tugs at the heartstrings of Lakers fans.