NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to sign $22,282,691 Dallas Mavericks big man in another blockbuster deal with the franchise after bagging Luka Doncic earlier this season

The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to blockbuster moves, and this offseason could bring another seismic shift. Rumors are swirling that the franchise may be eyeing a trade with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire rising star center Dereck Lively II—a dynamic big man with proven chemistry alongside Luka Dončić.

In a potential multi-team deal, the Lakers could part ways with fan favorite Austin Reaves to secure the 21-year-old rim protector, signaling a bold pivot toward youth and athleticism. According to Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell, the Lakers could part ways with Austin Reaves in a multi-team deal to acquire Dereck Lively II, the 21-year-old big man who thrived in Dallas.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers Might Make This Trade

Caudell outlines a potential trade scenario involving multiple teams and players: - Los Angeles Lakers receive: Dereck Lively II and Terance Mann - Mavericks receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Georges Niang, Shake Milton, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick - Hawks receive: Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington

Caudell explains the reasoning behind the move:

"Yes they lose Reaves, but they get one of the best centers in the NBA and one that has plenty of familiarity with Doncic. They keep their picks and have other expiring deals they can send out to upgrade the rest of their roster around Doncic, Lively, and (LeBron) James." (H/t: Sporting News)He also notes that Reaves’ impending contract extension could make trading him now a smarter long-term move.

What Dereck Lively II Brings to the Los Angeles Lakers

While not yet a superstar, Lively has proven to be an elite pick-and-roll finisher, particularly with Luka Doncic. His strengths include: - Elite screening ability – Creates space for guards - Strong rim-running – Excels in transition and half-court sets - Efficient scoring – Shot 74.7% from the field last season

Dereck Lively II’s Recent Stats

Despite injuries limiting his playing time, Lively has been highly productive when on the court.

Why Reaves Could Be on the Move

Austin Reaves had a solid season but didn’t elevate his game enough in the playoffs to cement his place as a long-term Laker.

With the team looking to build around LeBron James and potentially another star, moving Reaves for a young, athletic center like Lively could be a strategic play. Caudell adds: "Reaves is going to be due a massive contract extension soon and if the Lakers are building around Doncic and James, it might be best to deal him now for a young center."

How This Trade Impacts the Lakers

If this deal goes through, the Los Angeles Lakers would: - Upgrade at center – Lively is a defensive anchor and elite lob threat - Maintain future flexibility – Keep draft assets for further moves - Improve bench depth – Terance Mann adds another reliable rotation pieceThe Los Angeles Lakers are clearly exploring ways to maximize their roster around LeBron James. Trading Austin Reaves for Dereck Lively II could be a bold but calculated move, giving them a young, high-upside center while keeping future options open.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could sign $110 million Cleveland Cavaliers duo to bolster squad in blockbuster 3-way deal including the Miami HeatAs the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this blockbuster trade materializes.