Lakers Send Shockwaves Across the NBA! A blockbuster trade sees them dump an $89 million star in a brilliant cap maneuver, instantly acquiring an elite sharpshooter from a fierce Western Conference rival.
In a jaw-dropping move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly traded their $89 million star guard Austin Reaves to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for rising star Keegan Murray and a 2027 first-round draft pick. The trade, first proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton, represents a bold strategic shift for the Lakers as they aim to maximize their championship window with LeBron James still leading the charge.
So How Is Kings Rookie Keegan Murray Doing?
A New Direction for the Lakers
The acquisition of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks last season added another ball-dominant superstar to an already stacked Lakers roster. While Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess are undeniable, his presence has sparked concerns about ball distribution among the team’s talented guards. Austin Reaves, coming off a career-best 2024-25 season, has been a revelation as a scorer and facilitator, but his role in a crowded backcourt has raised questions about the team’s overall balance.
“Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves could be on the move after a career-best campaign in 2024-25,” Hutton noted. “Moving a high-end asset like Reaves could help L.A. add a younger, developing player while filling a position of need, such as Keegan Murray.”
By trading Reaves, the Lakers are addressing this issue head-on, opting for a player in Keegan Murray who thrives in a complementary role. Murray, known for his elite shooting and defensive versatility, is the quintessential 3-and-D wing that the Lakers have been missing since losing Dorian Finney-Smith. His ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions makes him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dončić.
Why Keegan Murray is the Perfect Fit
Keegan Murray, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier young sharpshooters. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive instincts makes him a seamless addition to the Lakers’ championship aspirations. In the 2024-25 season, Murray averaged 15.2 points per game while shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc, proving his ability to contribute without needing the ball in his hands.
For a Lakers team looking to balance Dončić’s ball-dominant style, Murray’s off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot proficiency are invaluable. Pairing him with LeBron James, who thrives as a playmaker, and Anthony Davis, a dominant force in the paint, creates a versatile trio capable of competing with the league’s elite. The addition of a 2027 first-round pick further sweetens the deal, giving the Lakers future flexibility as they navigate the salary cap.
Sacramento’s Search for a Point Guard
On the other side of the trade, the Sacramento Kings are addressing a glaring need at the point guard position. After trading away Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox in recent years, the Kings have struggled to find a reliable floor general. Their offseason pursuits, including a failed attempt to acquire an aging Russell Westbrook, have left them searching for answers. Austin Reaves, with his ability to score, facilitate, and lead an offense, could be the solution they’ve been seeking.
Reaves, who signed a four-year, $89 million extension in 2023, has blossomed into a dynamic two-way guard. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to run an offense while contributing on the defensive end. For a Kings team looking to contend in the competitive Western Conference, Reaves represents a significant upgrade at the point guard position and a cornerstone for their future.
A Rare Intra-Division Trade
Trades between teams in the same division are rare, but this deal benefits both organizations. The Lakers gain a player who complements their star-studded roster and addresses a critical need for shooting and defense, while the Kings acquire a young, proven point guard to lead their offense. The inclusion of a 2027 first-round pick gives the Lakers additional assets to work with, while Sacramento secures a player who can contribute immediately.
As the NBA landscape continues to shift, this blockbuster trade could reshape the Western Conference. For the Lakers, it’s a calculated gamble to bolster their title chances in the LeBron James era. For the Kings, it’s a step toward building a sustainable contender around a talented young core. Only time will tell if this trade delivers the desired results, but one thing is certain: the NBA offseason just got a whole lot more exciting.