Rob Pelinka just pulled off the unthinkable. LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the same team? That’s not just an All-Star dream anymore—it’s reality. But while Lakers fans celebrate, there’s a storm brewing in the backcourt. Too many guards, too few minutes, and not a single five to hold the reins. That’s where the whispers start. Could Austin Reaves be the odd man out? A trade for size seems logical. But hold on—Reaves has other plans.

The 26-year-old guard is not just another piece of the puzzle. He’s JJ Redick’s go-to guy, the Lakers’ rising star. Yet, with two generational talents in town, where does he fit? In the post-game presser after pinning down the LA Clippers 122-97 on Tuesday, Austin Reaves gave an insight into what the future might be looking for him. How does envision the new Luka LeBron pair?

Reaves responded: “I think it just is, not necessarily that you should build me in that conversation. I’m just thinking about those two unselfish basketball players who play the game the right way and love to see their teammates have success.” Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ love for basketball is an open secret. The former left Slovenia to make a career in the game as a teenager. Meanwhile, the latter? Fought his way to see the fame and love he’s been receiving for the last 22 NBA seasons.

But, the question is, where and how is Austin Reaves fitting in between the mega stars? Will the trio unlock offensively in terms of just playmaking, shooting, scoring, all more? The 26-year-old guard said: ” I think it’s going to help me in a lot of ways to be a second-side playmaker. Create more as I said, second-side closeout situations where I can attack a closeout and make a playoff. That third side, but yeah.”

He added: “I can’t wait to see what that looks like going forward together. I’m very excited about that.” Reaves sees himself as a key player who can make plays when the ball swings to the opposite side of the floor after an initial action by LeBron or Luka. And when the defense collapses on the stars, the guard can attack defenders closing out on him, using their defensive momentum against them. Simply put, the star wants to become a menace to the rival’s defenses and play alongside the King and the Magician. Besides, he’s excited to have them both on the floor soon.

On that note, surely Rob Pelinka remembers he doesn’t have a center on the team yet. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps isn’t sold on Austin Reaves’ future in LA. With Luka Doncic in town, the backcourt just got crowded. Too crowded. So, what’s the move?

Rob Pelinka is in a $12.9M Austin Reaves dilemma

Bontemps thinks the Lakers should flip Reaves for a big man. Sounds logical, but is it that simple? Austin Reaves is having his best season yet—more points, more assists, more steals. The guy just keeps leveling up. He’s a three-level scorer, a crafty playmaker, and he’s creating his own buckets at an insane rate—102 unassisted makes and counting. But that’s not all. His passing has skyrocketed from 1.8 assists as a rookie to 6.1 now, second only to LeBron. Safe to say, he’s making things happen.

Reaves is good, but Luka is…Luka. He’s a top-tier passer, averaging 8.3 assists for his career, and this season? Still elite at 7.8. Plus, most of his buckets are self-made, not off assists. So, if Doncic does everything Reaves does—only better—why keep both? Thus Bontemps says: “Austin Reaves doesn’t really fit with the Lakers anymore.” He continues: “If I am the Lakers, this week, I personally — as I react to this real-time and think about it — I’m thinking long and hard about trading Austin Reaves today.” But why?

“‘Cause Austin Reaves, right now, is owed $12.9 million this year and $13.9 million next year. And then he’s got a player option he ain’t gonna pick up the following year.” Reaves’ “trade value is probably never gonna be higher.” So, why not flip him for “some significant stuff”—draft picks or maybe “some size inside”? The Lakers need it. But will they pull the trigger? “Now, maybe they don’t do anything.” No inside scoop yet, but it’s a “very interesting domino to watch.”

In light of the recent turn of events, anything can happen to the Lakers roster. Surely, Austin Reaves is looking forward to playing alongside Bron and Doncic. But well, if the boss feels he needs to vacate some space to get a big guy on the team, then maybe Reaves has to pack his bag and go on a new journey with another franchise. Now, the question remains: What will Rob Pelinka do?