The New York Knicks could make a big trade with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, especially if New York loses in the second round.
The Knicks still held a 2-1 series lead over the defending champion Boston Celtics entering Monday’s Game 4, but New York could be low on fuel, and the Celtics seem to be growing in strength.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Knicks might benefit from adding another impactful playmaker, which makes Lakers guard Austin Reaves a possible trade target.
Reaves is a tad redundant for the Lakers now with Luka Dončić on the team, and LA might be interested in moving Reaves to New York for a center.
The Trade
Knicks receive…
Lakers receive…
- Mitchell Robinson (expiring)
- Miles McBride
Reaves, 26, would give the Knicks a second legitimate creator off the dribble beyond Jalen Brunson.
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The Lakers’ needs at center after trading Anthony Davis have been tirelessly documented. Robinson’s elite rim protection and lob-catching ability would fit nicely on the Lakers, addressing their defensive weaknesses around Dončić and LeBron James. Robinson’s injury history might be too concerning for the Lakers to consider this deal, though.
For what it’s worth, McBride would provide some valuable bench scoring for LA. While the Knicks’ championship aspirations and the Lakers’ need for size make this trade intriguing, New York’s reluctance to break up its core and Robinson’s health concerns are barriers.
Reaves has been something of an unsung hero in certain stretches for the Lakers, particularly during the 2024-25 regular season. LA is probably open to the idea of trading Reaves, but it would likely take a stronger offer than this Knicks package for a team to pry him away.
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