Overview
- LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul suggested on his Game Over podcast that the Lakers consider trading Austin Reaves to Memphis for Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Bleacher Report outlined a theoretical deal sending Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. to Los Angeles for Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and a $2.3 million trade exception, with hard‑cap mechanics detailed.
- Lakers Nation reported that Reaves’ agents spoke with Paul at halftime of a recent game to clear the air after the public proposal.
- Reaves remains sidelined with a calf strain suffered on Christmas, with no firm return timeline reported beyond hopes he is back soon.
- Reaves is set for unrestricted free agency and is expected to draw near‑max offers, with Utah flagged by Kevin O’Connor as a likely suitor, while Bleacher Report notes Jackson’s sizable contract would tighten Los Angeles’ future flexibility.