Lakers Make Shocking Move, Declare Key Player Untouchable in Trade Talks
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and Lakers fans are eagerly waiting to see if their team will make moves to bolster their roster. Despite strong performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are still seen as a few pieces away from being serious championship contenders in the highly competitive Western Conference.
One player who has been on the trade market is De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. Last week, it was revealed that Fox was made available after expressing no desire to remain in Sacramento past the summer of 2026. The Lakers were an obvious fit, given their need for another shot creator and perimeter player. Fox’s agent, Rich Paul, and the connection to Klutch Sports only made this fit seem more likely. However, ESPN’s Shams Charania surprised many by reporting that Fox didn’t consider the Lakers a preferred destination.
NBA insider Jake Fischer later shed some light on the situation, revealing one significant reason why Fox might not want to join the Lakers. Fischer reported that Sacramento would likely target Lakers guard Austin Reaves in any potential Fox trade, but the Lakers have made Reaves virtually untouchable.
“Klutch knows, as sources tell The Stein Line, that the Lakers have zero intention of parting with Sacramento’s presumed top target in any Fox discussions: Austin Reaves.” — NBA insider Jake Fischer
The Lakers have the assets to outbid any realistic Fox offer from the Kings, including a package of Austin Reaves and two first-round picks. Replacing Fox with Reaves would allow the Kings to stay competitive while also gaining valuable draft assets. However, the Lakers’ willingness to part with Reaves would depend on the risk of Fox signing a long-term deal with the team. Given LeBron James’ age, this could be a risk worth taking.
