Shocking Blockbuster: Lakers Trade Beloved Star for $160M Wing and Elite Defender!
The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to shake up the NBA landscape with a potential blockbuster trade that could redefine their roster for the 2025-26 season. Following a mid-season acquisition of Luka Dončić that yielded only one playoff victory, general manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly exploring options to bolster the team’s wing depth and defensive versatility. With the trade market heating up after a recent deal between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, the Lakers are considering a bold move: trading rising star Austin Reaves to the Portland Trail Blazers for two-way forward Jerami Grant and two-time All-Defensive Team guard Matisse Thybulle.
The Proposed Trade
To make the deal financially viable, the Lakers would package Reaves with Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Shake Milton. In return, they would acquire Grant, a versatile 6-foot-7 wing with a five-year, $160 million contract, and Thybulle, one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders when healthy. While the trade carries significant risks—particularly due to Grant’s massive contract, which includes a $36.4 million player option for 2027-28—it could provide the Lakers with the athleticism and defensive prowess needed to complement Dončić and the aging LeBron James.
Jerami Grant: A High-Risk, High-Reward Addition
Jerami Grant’s 2024-25 season was marred by injuries and inconsistency, as he averaged just 14.4 points on 37.3% shooting in 47 games for the Trail Blazers. Portland’s 36-46 record reflected a lack of direction, and Grant’s recurring ankle and knee issues didn’t help. However, his career 36.4% three-point shooting and proven defensive capabilities make him an intriguing fit for the Lakers.
At his best, Grant is a dynamic two-way forward who can space the floor, guard multiple positions, and create his own shot. His ability to alleviate defensive pressure on Dončić, who struggles with perimeter assignments, and support James in crunch time could elevate the Lakers’ championship aspirations. If Grant can regain his form from previous seasons—such as his 2022-23 campaign, where he averaged 20.7 points on 40.1% from three—he could be a game-changer in Los Angeles.
Matisse Thybulle: Defensive Wizard with Upside
Matisse Thybulle, selected 20th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, has carved out a reputation as an elite defender. Despite playing only 15 games in 2024-25 due to a severe ankle sprain, Thybulle showcased his potential as a difference-maker. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.2 steals, and shot an impressive 43.8% from three, while posting a remarkable 5.1 defensive box plus-minus.
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Thybulle’s ability to lock down opposing guards and wings would address a critical need for the Lakers, who lack perimeter defenders to pair with Dončić and James. His improved three-point shooting, if sustainable, adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable 3-and-D asset. At 28 years old, Thybulle is entering his prime and could thrive in a contending environment.
The Cost: Losing Austin Reaves
Trading Austin Reaves, a 27-year-old homegrown star, would be a tough pill to swallow for Lakers fans. Reaves has emerged as a reliable two-way guard, averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 2024-25. His clutch performances and affordability make him a fan favorite and a key piece of the Lakers’ future. However, with Dončić and James commanding the ball, Reaves’ role has been somewhat diminished, making him expendable in the pursuit of win-now talent.
The inclusion of Vincent, Kleber, and Milton in the trade is primarily for salary-matching purposes. Vincent and Milton provide depth but have been inconsistent, while Kleber’s floor-spacing ability hasn’t translated effectively in Los Angeles. The Lakers would be betting that Grant and Thybulle’s upside outweighs the loss of Reaves’ versatility.
Risks and Rewards
The trade is not without its challenges. Grant’s $160 million contract is a significant financial commitment, especially if he opts into his 2027-28 player option. His injury history and down year raise questions about his ability to return to All-Star-caliber play. Thybulle’s limited sample size in 2024-25 and injury concerns add further uncertainty.
On the other hand, the potential rewards are tantalizing. A healthy Grant and Thybulle could transform the Lakers into a defensive juggernaut while maintaining offensive firepower. With Dončić orchestrating the offense, James playing point-forward, and Grant and Thybulle anchoring the wings, the Lakers could field one of the most versatile lineups in the NBA.
Conclusion
The Lakers are at a crossroads. With LeBron James turning 41 in December 2025, the window to maximize his championship contention is closing. Trading Austin Reaves for Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle would be a bold, high-stakes move, but it could provide the pieces needed to push Los Angeles back into title contention. If Pelinka pulls the trigger, this blockbuster trade could reshape the Western Conference and signal the Lakers’ all-in commitment to the Dončić-James era.