Lakers, trading Reaves for Jackson Jr: Rich Paul’s bold move
LeBron James’ agent is proposing a daring trade: Austin Reaves to the Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr., an idea that could shake up the Lakers
It’s the kind of idea that makes noise just by being mentioned. Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Los Angeles Lakers. And this isn’t coming from just any analyst – it’s Rich Paul, the most influential agent in the NBA, on the Game Over podcast. When he speaks, it’s always worth listening.
The reasoning behind LeBron’s agent is simple. The Lakers are entering a pivotal summer and need to think about the future. Reaves is likely to decline his player option ($14.8 million) and seek a bigger contract, after proving he can be much more than an excellent role player. Before his calf injury, he was averaging over 26 points per game, playing the best basketball of his career.
He deserves to be paid – and he knows it.
If I were the Lakers, I’d target the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… If you’re building around Luka, you need a defensive anchor. Jaren doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild… if you can trade expiring contracts or your last first-round pick, or you can keep him and give up less, but that requires a more detached emotional approach because Austin is beloved
Rich Paul
Reaves at the center of the Grizzlies’ rebuild
On the other side, Memphis seems ready to turn the page. After putting Ja Morant on the market, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s name is also starting to circulate. An elite defender and former Defensive Player of the Year, JJJ remains a high-level talent, even if his stats this season have dipped. The issue is his contract: five years, $240 million. A hefty investment.
There’s a scenario where you can do what’s best for your team and what’s best for Austin. Austin deserves to be paid… Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He’d become their top scorer and playmaker
Rich Paul
For Rich Paul, though, the puzzle fits. The Lakers would finally have the defensive cornerstone to build around Luka, while Reaves would become the new face of the Grizzlies. In Memphis, he would handle the ball, take on responsibility, and have space to make the leap.
He would become their offensive leader
Rich Paul
It’s not an exaggeration, but it’s certainly a proposal that divides opinion, like all bold ideas. One thing is clear: when the NBA market starts moving, it takes just a spark to change everything.