Overview

• Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposed Los Angeles sending Austin Reaves and a 2031 first-round pick to Dallas for Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin, with coverage stressing it is not an active negotiation.
• Analysts noted many Lakers fans and observers would likely oppose moving Reaves for that return, suggesting it is difficult to see Los Angeles making such a trade.
• The concept hinges on Lively’s established pick‑and‑roll chemistry with Dončić and defensive upside, with Martin projected as a dependable two‑way rotation wing.
• Reaves is widely expected to decline his $14.9 million player option next summer, and an executive told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps he “will get $30 million plus” on his next contract.
• The proposal reflects current roster thinking focused on adding a true starting center to fit Dončić’s preferences, which include a consistent lob threat.