Founder of Klutch Sports and longtime associate of LeBron James, recently suggested that the Lakers should at least explore trading Reaves as part of a larger roster upgrade. Paul shared the idea during an appearance on Max Kellerman’s podcast, and given his proximity to James and influence around the league, his words immediately drew attention.
Paul’s suggestion centered on a bold concept: moving Reaves in a deal to acquire Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
Rich Paul’s Proposal: Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr.
During the podcast, Paul openly discussed how the Lakers could improve their roster construction, even if it means making uncomfortable decisions.
“If I was the Lakers, I’d probably be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson,” Paul said. “You got to figure out the package. Someway, somehow, I’d be trying to get Jaren Jackson and maybe get back GG Jackson. He’s a young player that you can develop.
“This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. He’s an underdog. Here’s the thing — there’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team and do what’s best for Austin because Austin deserves to get paid.”
Paul’s comments cut directly to the uncomfortable reality facing the Lakers: Austin Reaves is due for a major payday, and keeping him long-term may complicate roster balance, especially on the defensive end.
The Contract Reality Surrounding Austin Reaves
Reaves has dramatically outperformed expectations over the past two seasons. Once viewed as a feel-good undrafted success story, he is now a legitimate high-level starter who plays heavy minutes and produces consistently.
That success, however, comes at a cost.
Reaves is approaching the point where he will command a massive long-term contract, potentially near max-level money. For a Lakers team already investing heavily in star power, committing that level of salary to another offense-first player creates roster limitations.
Paul acknowledged that tension directly, suggesting that a trade could actually benefit Reaves as well.
In a different market, Reaves could:
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Become a featured offensive option
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Receive a contract fully aligned with his market value
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Avoid being caught between two ball-dominant superstars
From Paul’s perspective, the move wouldn’t be personal — it would be practical.
Why the Lakers Might Consider Trading Reaves
While Paul’s logic should always be viewed with some skepticism — given his close ties to LeBron James — the basketball reasoning behind the idea is not without merit.
1. Defensive Concerns Remain the Lakers’ Biggest Issue
The Lakers’ roster construction has repeatedly leaned toward offense, often at the expense of elite defense. That imbalance has been exposed in playoff settings and against top-tier teams.
With Luka Dončić now leading the offense, those concerns are magnified.
Dončić is an offensive juggernaut, but championship-level teams built around him historically require:
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Strong rim protection
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Elite help defense
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Versatile big men who can anchor schemes
Reaves, while a solid team defender, does not address those needs.
2. Too Many Similar Offensive Skill Sets
Los Angeles risks redundancy:
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Dončić: primary offensive engine
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LeBron James: still ball-dominant, though aging
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Austin Reaves: needs touches to be most effective
Paying three players who thrive with the ball limits lineup flexibility and makes it harder to build a defense-first identity.
3. LeBron’s Age Factors Into the Equation
At this stage of his career, LeBron James can no longer consistently guard elite opposing stars. His defensive impact comes in spurts rather than sustained dominance.
That reality increases the importance of surrounding him and Dončić with defensive anchors, particularly in the frontcourt.
Why Jaren Jackson Jr. Is an Appealing Target
Jaren Jackson Jr. represents the exact type of player the Lakers lack.
At just 26 years old, Jackson already boasts:
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Two All-Star selections
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NBA Defensive Player of the Year
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Elite rim protection and shot-blocking instincts
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Positional versatility at power forward and center
He has the size, athleticism, and defensive instincts to transform a team’s identity almost overnight.
For a Lakers squad that struggles to protect the paint and defend without fouling, Jackson’s presence would be a game-changer.
The Risks of Acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr.
That said, Jackson is not a flawless solution.
Foul Trouble Issues
Jackson has long struggled with foul discipline, often limiting his minutes and impacting game flow. That concern has followed him throughout his career and has yet to fully disappear.
Offensive Limitations
While Jackson can score, he has not consistently proven he can be a reliable top-two offensive option. His efficiency fluctuates, and his post game remains inconsistent.
If the Lakers were to move Reaves, they would need Jackson to:
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Improve offensively
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Stay on the floor
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Complement Dončić without requiring heavy touches
That is not guaranteed.
Would the Grizzlies Actually Do This?
The trade idea becomes more interesting given the current situation in Memphis.
The Grizzlies are reportedly:
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Exploring trade options involving Ja Morant
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Evaluating a potential roster reset
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Open to major changes if the right deal emerges
In that context, moving Jackson for a high-value offensive piece like Reaves — potentially with additional assets — isn’t impossible.
For Memphis, Reaves could:
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Become a featured scorer
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Fit a retooling timeline
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Add leadership and shooting to a young roster
Is Jaren Jackson Jr. Better Than Austin Reaves?
This ultimately comes down to team needs.
Austin Reaves
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Offensive efficiency
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Playmaking
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Late-game shot creation
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Fan-favorite chemistry
Jaren Jackson Jr.
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Elite defense
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Rim protection
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Positional versatility
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Long-term frontcourt stability
Straight up, Reaves may be the more reliable offensive player today. But Jackson’s defensive ceiling is significantly higher — and defense often determines playoff success.
A Difficult But Necessary Conversation
The idea of trading Austin Reaves will never sit well with Lakers fans. He represents grit, development, and overachievement — values the fanbase loves.
But championship teams are rarely built on sentiment.
Rich Paul’s proposal forces the Lakers to confront a difficult truth: keeping every beloved player is not always compatible with building a balanced contender.
Whether or not this specific trade ever materializes, the discussion itself highlights where the Lakers stand — at a crossroads between comfort and contention.
And in the NBA, tough decisions usually define champions.
