For the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has always been the golden boy. He is the undrafted success story who became a cornerstone for the franchise. But as the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches, agent Rich Paul has thrown a grenade into the conversation.
Rich Paul's Bold Trade Proposal
Rich Paul recently appeared on the Game Over podcast. His suggestion was not just idle chatter. It was a cold and calculated blueprint for how to build a team around superstar Luka Doncic.
According to Paul, if the Lakers want to maximize their championship window with Luka, they must be willing to part with their most beloved role player. The target should be defensive titan Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Defensive Imperative
The lack of defense on the Lakers' roster was painfully evident on Monday night. They traveled to Sacramento and suffered a blowout loss. Emphasizing this defensive perspective, Rich Paul made his case clear.
"If I was the Lakers I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson," Paul stated. "If you're building around Luka you need that anchor. Jaren doesn't want to be part of a rebuild."
Paul explained the potential trade mechanics. The Lakers could trade out expiring contracts and possibly their last available first-round pick. He acknowledged this requires an unemotional approach because Austin Reaves is so beloved by fans.
The Financial Reality
"There's a world where you can do what's best for your team and what's best for Austin," Paul continued. "Austin deserves to get paid. Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He would become their leading scorer and point guard."
Paul added another perspective. "But if you can keep Austin, have Jaren some kind of way, and have Luka, that's ideal. But they are going to take up most of your money. I don't get into the discount thing for any player. I don't know Austin's value to the Lakers or anybody else, but he deserves to get paid a lot of money."
Austin Reaves' Current Situation
Austin Reaves has been having an outstanding season. He is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages are impressive at 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
Unfortunately, Reaves is currently sidelined with a left calf strain suffered in late December 2025. His absence has highlighted both his value and the team's vulnerabilities.
The Defensive Anchor Argument
Rich Paul's point is straightforward. You cannot build a championship house without a defensive anchor. The Lakers currently have elite offensive gravity with Luka Doncic. They also have 41-year-old LeBron James still providing steady production.
What they lack is that defensive cornerstone. Jaren Jackson Jr. happens to be the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year. His presence could transform the Lakers' defensive capabilities.
Why Memphis Might Consider This Trade
The Memphis Grizzlies are struggling this season with a 17-22 record. Jaren Jackson Jr. might welcome a chance to compete for a championship with the Lakers. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves could become the focal point of Memphis's offense.
This trade scenario presents interesting possibilities for both franchises. The Lakers would gain the defensive anchor they desperately need. The Grizzlies would acquire a dynamic young scorer to build around.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Rich Paul's provocative suggestion gains traction within Lakers management. The trade deadline always brings surprises, and this proposal certainly qualifies as one of the more intriguing possibilities.
