The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be a fairly well-rounded team heading into the 2025-26 campaign. Having made the necessary upgrades in each position, the team addressed a majority of their roster concerns.
But given the “win-now” mindset presented by Luka Doncic, the Purple and Gold may need to make some additional moves, specifically in the form of trades.
The Lakers’ current trade assets feature several expiring contracts and a handful of tradable draft picks (primarily pick swaps). In the context of their expiring contracts, their most valuable asset is their star guard, Austin Reaves.
Reaves has been one of the most impressive young players on the team. Unfortunately, this has also made him the most sought-after roster piece they have.
To transform the Lakers into title contenders, Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith presented a trade idea that would send Reaves to the San Antonio Spurs in return for three capable players and a first-round pick. Let’s take a closer look at the package.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, 1 first-round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 1 second-round pick
When looking at the sheer number of assets being moved, it is clear that this trade would have major implications on both teams involved. With this in mind, we explore the impact of this trade.
The Lakers Inject Youth Into Their Roster
By parting ways with Austin Reaves and four veterans, the Lakers inject youth into their roster in this trade proposal. The addition of Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Stephon Castle, along with a first-round pick, has an immense impact on the team.
With Reaves on the way out, it becomes evident that Marcus Smart would enter the starting rotation, solidifying the team’s primary lineup. This allows the Lakers to configure the remaining bench rotation on the basis of matchups.
Both Vassell and Castle add a boost to the backcourt rotation. Vassell has demonstrated his ability to be a scoring threat when he receives the opportunities and playing time to do so. With an average of 16.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, the 24-year-old has displayed the ability to score quickly off the bench.
Meanwhile, Castle is an immensely talented young point guard. With an average of 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in his rookie season, the 20-year-old brings length, skill, and athleticism to the team, along with potential as a developmental piece. Having won the ROTY award, he is expected to make a big jump next season.
As beneficial as these two would be to the backcourt, Sochan would be to the frontcourt. After parting ways with Vanderbilt, the Lakers would require a solid wing defender to fill the void. Sochan emerges as a more than capable replacement.
The 22-year-old forward is known for his defensive upside, rebounding, and athleticism. Last season, he put up 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, showing significantly more productivity in virtually every department compared to Vanderbilt.
These acquisitions would give the Purple and Gold the necessary depth and energy to compete against some of the best teams in the league. Additionally, with Vassell and Castle on the roster, Dalton Knecht would become expendable, allowing the Lakers to make necessary trades to improve their overall strength.
The Spurs Form A New “Big Three” With Reaves
The Spurs’ current timeline caters to the development of Victor Wembanyama into a superstar. While paired with De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio presents a solid duo. But the addition of Reaves could allow them to form a potent “Big Three”.
While Reaves may not be the most ideal fit next to Fox, he has shown the capability to play without the ball in a secondary playmaker role. His versatility as a scoring threat presents a lot of opportunities for the Spurs to utilize him in different situations.
Last season, the 27-year-old put up an average of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. When he was made the primary scoring option, he showed the ability to take over the game. As a secondary option, he assimilates into the system. In many ways, he is the ideal second or third star in any trio.
Along with Reaves, the Spurs would acquire the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Although all three could contribute in some way, with Kleber and Vanderbilt primarily shoring up the frontcourt depth, the Spurs may not utilize them as much.
With Castle’s departure, San Antonio may have use for Vincent as a backup point guard. The 29-year-old was a key defensive contributor for the Lakers last season. Although his offensive output is limited, with an average of 6.4 points per game, he came up with vital plays that helped secure victories for the team.
With the arrival of Carter Bryant, trading Sochan has become a possibility for the Spurs. In this regard, Vanderbilt could still be a solid defensive contributor in a backup role.
The second-round pick mentioned in the package makes little difference to the Spurs, as it only serves to expand their wealth of draft assets.
Neither Team Realistically Does This Trade
Although the Lakers would greatly benefit from doing this trade, primarily in future contexts, it is abundantly clear that they intend to win now.
While both Vassell and Sochan have some experience in the regular season, they have virtually no understanding of the pressure in the playoffs. This could cause a dip in their performance.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are a young team with a lot of room to grow. Parting ways with core members of their roster doesn’t aid this process in the slightest. While acquiring Reaves would be in their best interests as well, the risks regarding the fit with Fox may also lead to negative outcomes.
Overall, this trade has merit on paper, but the eventual outcome may not help either team fulfill its goals.
