The Los Angeles Lakers have long been a franchise known for bold moves, and recent trade rumors swirling around Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen have sent shockwaves through Lakers Nation. A hypothetical trade proposal involving fan-favorite Austin Reaves in exchange for the Finnish sharpshooter has sparked heated debates on platforms like X, with fans weighing the pros and cons of such a blockbuster deal. While no deal has materialized, the chatter intensified following Markkanen’s standout performance at EuroBasket 2025, prompting discussions about whether the Lakers should pursue the 28-year-old All-Star to bolster their roster around Luka Doncic.
The Trade Proposal: Reaves for Markkanen
The idea of trading Austin Reaves, a rising star and homegrown talent, for Lauri Markkanen has divided Lakers fans. On one hand, Markkanen’s offensive prowess and versatility as a 6’11” forward make him an intriguing fit. On the other, Reaves’ steady improvement, team-friendly contract, and expressed loyalty to the Lakers make him a player many consider untouchable.
A Lakers fan account on X recently posed the question: Would you trade Austin Reaves for Lauri Markkanen? The responses were passionate and varied:
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“Ridiculous… No way. Reaves is untouchable,” one fan declared, emphasizing Reaves’ value to the team.
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“Yes, without hesitation. 6’11 movement without the ball style 3-point shooter fits Luka Doncic better than a 2-Guard who wants to draw fouls off the dribble,” another argued, highlighting Markkanen’s offensive synergy with Doncic.
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“Yes, but I don’t think the Jazz would take that offer; they would want more. Imo, I would 100% do this and not think twice,” a third fan noted, acknowledging the Jazz’s likely demand for additional assets.
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“There’s a ~$40M difference in salaries this season. The Lakers would have to give up way more (4-5 players) to match salaries. And even if it was just a 1 for 2 swap, I wouldn’t do it,” another fan pointed out, citing the logistical challenges.
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“Lauri has a massive contract; if it wasn’t for that, then this would be an absolute no-brainer. Even with the big contract, I think this is a needed upgrade,” a fifth fan conceded, weighing the financial implications against the potential upside.
The Salary Conundrum
One of the biggest hurdles in executing a Reaves-for-Markkanen trade is the significant salary disparity. Markkanen is set to earn $46.4 million in the 2025-26 season, the first year of his four-year, $195 million contract. In contrast, Reaves will earn $13.9 million, creating a gap of over $32 million. To make the trade work under NBA salary cap rules, the Lakers would need to include additional players, likely Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11 million), Maxi Kleber ($11 million), or Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million).
The Jazz might be open to taking on Vincent and Kleber, as both are in the final year of their contracts, offering flexibility. However, Vanderbilt’s deal, which includes two years plus a player option, could be less appealing. Meanwhile, the Lakers may hesitate to include Hachimura, a key contributor, alongside Reaves in any package for Markkanen. This financial complexity makes the trade far from straightforward.
Markkanen’s Value: A Tale of Two Seasons
Lauri Markkanen’s 2024-25 season with the Utah Jazz was a step back from his previous two years of brilliance. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, while shooting a career-worst 42.3% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. This dip in performance raises concerns about whether he can return to his peak form.
However, Markkanen’s track record suggests his 2024-25 season may have been an anomaly. From 2022-23 to 2023-24, he averaged 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 39.5% from beyond the arc. His recent performance at EuroBasket 2025 further bolsters his case, as he dominated for Finland with 29.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, shooting 40.7% from three. As a 6’11” forward with elite shooting and off-ball movement, Markkanen could be a perfect offensive complement to Luka Doncic, providing spacing and rebounding that the Lakers sorely need.
The Defensive Trade-Off
While Markkanen’s offensive fit is undeniable, his defensive limitations are a significant concern. The Lakers struggled defensively in their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, and trading away Gabe Vincent, one of their better perimeter defenders, could exacerbate those issues. Markkanen is not known for his defensive prowess, and pairing him with Doncic could leave the Lakers vulnerable on that end of the floor.
Reaves: The Heart of the Lakers
Austin Reaves, at 27, has become a cornerstone of the Lakers’ identity. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, showcasing his growth as a scorer and playmaker. His ability to create off the dribble, knock down shots, and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset. Reaves has also expressed a desire to remain a Laker for life, endearing him to fans.
With Reaves set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026 (unless he exercises his player option), he is likely to command a contract exceeding $30 million per year. While this is a significant investment, it remains more manageable than Markkanen’s $195 million deal, especially given the NBA’s apron rules that restrict team spending.
Should the Lakers Pull the Trigger?
The decision to trade Reaves for Markkanen hinges on the Lakers’ priorities. Markkanen’s size, shooting, and rebounding make him an ideal fit next to Doncic, potentially elevating the Lakers’ offense to new heights. However, his massive contract, defensive shortcomings, and recent inconsistent performance raise red flags. Losing Reaves, a versatile and improving player with a team-friendly deal, along with additional assets like Hachimura or Vincent, could disrupt the team’s chemistry and defensive identity.
For the Jazz, the trade would likely require more than just Reaves to part with their star forward. The inclusion of draft picks or additional young talent could be necessary to seal the deal, further complicating the Lakers’ calculus.
Conclusion
The idea of trading Austin Reaves for Lauri Markkanen has ignited passionate discussions among Lakers fans, with some seeing it as a necessary upgrade and others viewing Reaves as untouchable. While Markkanen’s offensive skill set is tantalizing, the financial logistics, defensive concerns, and Reaves’ value to the team make this a high-risk move. For now, the trade remains speculative, but it underscores the Lakers’ ongoing quest to build a championship-caliber roster around Luka Doncic. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ front office to see if they pursue this blockbuster or stick with their homegrown star.