Overview
- Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, cited by Lakers Nation, identified the Utah Jazz as a likely suitor for Reaves in unrestricted free agency, with other cap-space teams also monitoring the market.
- Rich Paul recently floated a Reaves-for-Jaren Jackson Jr. swap on his podcast, a public proposal that led to Reaves’ agents speaking with Paul at halftime of a Lakers game to address the remarks.
- Despite the trade chatter, multiple reports indicate the Lakers are expected to pursue a max deal for Reaves this summer using his Bird rights.
- Reaves remains out with a calf injury suffered on Christmas, with no firm return date; head coach JJ Redick said he hopes to get the guard back soon after the initial four-week timeline.
- Heavy and Bleacher Report outlined hypothetical frameworks and roster-cap implications of a Reaves–Jackson deal, framing Jackson as a defensive upgrade that the Lakers could consider before the trade deadline.