Austin Reaves has been vocal about his desire to remain a Los Angeles Laker for life. But in the NBA, loyalties can be tested quickly — especially when a generational superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo could suddenly hit the trade market.

According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, if the Milwaukee Bucks and Lakers ever engage in trade talks centered on the two-time MVP, Reaves’ name would almost certainly be among the first requested. The undrafted guard has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles, but his rising value may also make him one of the Lakers’ most attractive trade chips.

“It’s almost a surefire thing that if the Lakers and the Bucks get into trade negotiations for Giannis, the first name in terms of players that Milwaukee is going to ask about is Reaves,” Irwin said on the “Lakers Lounge” podcast. “And then it’s like, well, ‘Do you want Giannis or do you want to try to keep Reaves here?’”

A Breakout Star With an Uncertain Future

Reaves turned down a four-year, $89.2 million offer from the Lakers earlier this offseason, choosing instead to bet on himself in free agency next summer. If he declines his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, the 26-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

NBA insider Jovan Buha recently predicted that Reaves could command a deal in the range of four years and $120-plus million — a massive leap for a player who entered the league undrafted just four years ago. His combination of efficient scoring, playmaking, and toughness has elevated him into one of the Lakers’ most reliable options behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis and later on, Luka Doncic.

But with LeBron entering the twilight of his career, the Lakers’ front office has its eyes on a bigger long-term picture. Both Antetokounmpo and Doncic are viewed as potential franchise cornerstones for a post-LeBron era in Los Angeles.

Giannis, the Trade Market, and the Lakers’ Dilemma

GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo is still weighing his long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Antetokounmpo remains under contract with Milwaukee through the 2027-28 season, but he holds a $62.8 million player option on the final year that could allow him to enter unrestricted free agency. If the Bucks stumble again in the postseason, league insiders believe the Greek Freak could eventually seek a new situation.

If that happens, Reaves could become a prime candidate in a potential sign-and-trade package. His next contract would make him easier to use for salary-matching purposes, while his skill set and age profile would fit well on a retooling Bucks roster.

“[Reaves] is the guy that team would probably ask for,” Reaves explained. “He is going to be making enough money by way of his next contract to make contract matching that much easier if it comes to that.”

The Lakers, however, don’t possess many trade assets. Aside from Reaves, they hold only one tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032) and a second-rounder in 2032. Their most significant financial flexibility lies in expiring deals, including LeBron’s $52.6 million option.

Next summer, the Lakers can gain access to an additional first-rounder.

The Bigger Picture

Other contenders — the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers — are also expected to pursue Antetokounmpo if he forces his way out of Milwaukee. The Lakers’ chances may hinge on whether Giannis makes it clear he would only commit long-term in Los Angeles.

Team president Rob Pelinka has acknowledged that the Lakers’ cap strategy has been designed with future flexibility in mind — whether to land a star like Antetokounmpo or even Nikola Jokic, who could both reach free agency in 2027 or keep their options open.

“And we’ve been very intentional with keeping our optionality to make [win] now moves if there are good [win] now moves to make or to have sort of our flexibility in the future,” Pelinka recently said. “But I say all that the optionality is there for us to use now if the right move comes our way. We want to make smart moves, but to be in a position of flexibility versus being stuck is really promising for how we’re going to build this team moving forward.”

For now, Reaves remains a Laker, beloved by fans and valued by teammates. But as the NBA has shown time and again, loyalty often comes second to opportunity. And if Antetokounmpo truly becomes available, the Lakers may be forced to decide whether Reaves is part of their long-term future — or simply the price of doing business to land a superstar.