With new ownership shaking things up for the Los Angeles Lakers, blockbuster moves could be on the horizon. Under the guidance of Mark Walter, the franchise is poised for bold decisions, and one jaw-dropping possibility has emerged: trading fan-favorite Austin Reaves to pursue Boston Celtics’ superstar Jaylen Brown.
Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk recently suggested that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka should keep a close eye on Boston’s offseason turmoil. “The Celtics’ new ownership group is looking to slash costs, unlike the Lakers’ regime under Walter,” Rovenchuk noted. “This could open the door for a seismic trade.”
Boston’s roster faces uncertainty after a devastating Achilles injury sidelined Jayson Tatum, derailing their title defense. The Celtics, who fell to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs, are reportedly planning a makeover to stay competitive while trimming their payroll. Names like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis have surfaced as potential trade chips, but Brown—a $285 million megastar—stands out as the ultimate prize for the Lakers.
“Brown or White would be worth moving Reaves for,” Rovenchuk wrote, emphasizing that Brown’s elite two-way play makes him the ideal target. While Reaves has endeared himself to Lakers fans with his grit and steady improvement, swapping him for a proven All-Star like Brown could catapult the Lakers closer to their 18th championship banner, tying them with their arch-rivals in Boston.
Brown, a California native, has long been Tatum’s dynamic co-star, proving his worth as a reliable No. 2 option. Despite playing through a partially torn meniscus in the postseason, he delivered 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 46.3% from the field. His 32.4% three-point shooting could improve in a new system, but Brown’s real value lies in his versatility.
A four-time All-Star, Brown’s game is a masterclass in controlled aggression. His polished pick-and-pop shooting, signature in-and-out dribble when driving right, and finesse around the rim offset his still-developing left-handed playmaking. On defense, Brown is a menace, locking down perimeter threats with tenacity and instincts that make him one of the league’s premier two-way wings. His 2024 NBA Finals MVP award cements his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
For the Lakers, acquiring Brown would signal a win-now mentality as they enter a critical 2025-26 season. While Reaves has shown promise, averaging consistent improvements each year, he’s not yet at Brown’s level. Trading the young guard for a battle-tested superstar could transform the Lakers’ roster, giving LeBron James and Anthony Davis an elite running mate to chase another title.
As Boston grapples with its financial constraints and Tatum’s absence, the Lakers have a rare opportunity to pounce. Will Pelinka pull the trigger on a deal that could shock the NBA and reshape the Lakers’ future? If the Purple and Gold land Brown, the chase for banner No. 18 could heat up in a hurry.