Lakers Next Move Is Clear After Luka Doncic Sends Message to Front Office
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, the expectation was simple: win immediately. At 26 years old, Doncic has already led teams to two Conference Finals and the 2024 NBA Finals. He is in his prime, and patience is no longer an option.
Doncic is a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and the 2023-24 scoring champion. Having spent seven years navigating rebuilds and retools in Dallas, he has shown that with the right pieces around him, he can push a franchise to championship contention.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, someone close to Doncic has made it clear that he wants to win now—and he won’t wait through a multi-year roster overhaul. With Doncic holding a 2026 player option, the Lakers’ front office is on the clock.
The Lakers’ Dilemma: Austin Reaves
If Los Angeles wants to prove its commitment to contending, the next logical step is to begin fielding trade offers for Austin Reaves.
Doncic has thrived when paired with a star-level combo guard, as seen with:
- Goran Dragic during Slovenia’s EuroBasket gold run.
- Jalen Brunson during the Mavericks’ 2022 Conference Finals run.
- Kyrie Irving when Dallas made the 2024 NBA Finals.
Doncic can adapt to nearly any roster, but history shows that sharing the backcourt with another elite guard eases his workload and maximizes his impact.
Is Reaves Ready to Be That Co-Star?
Reaves has steadily improved each season, posting 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.7 threes per game in 2024-25. While those numbers approach All-Star territory, he still hasn’t proven he can be the consistent second star Doncic needs.
With Reaves eligible for free agency in 2026—and likely to command a nine-figure deal—the Lakers can’t afford to wait and hope he takes the leap.
The Clock Is Ticking
If Reaves doesn’t establish himself as a bona fide co-star by the February trade deadline, the Lakers may need to move him while his value is high.
It’s a tough decision, but Doncic’s championship window is now. Reaves is Los Angeles’ most tradable asset—and his future could determine whether the Lakers build a true title contender around Doncic before time runs out.
