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The Los Angeles Lakers would have “zero intention” of trading Austin Reaves to the Sacramento Kings in a deal for De’Aaron Fox.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that news on Thursday in The Stein Line newsletter while explaining why the Lakers aren’t one of Fox’s “preferred destinations.”
“Among the reasons why the Lakers are not Fox’s preferred destination: Klutch has direct knowledge of many Lakers dealings thanks to its representation of LeBron James and Anthony Davis,” Fischer wrote.
“Which means 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.”
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that the Lakers were not a “destination of choice” for Fox.
“One thing I can say, with Rich Paul, we know he’s got LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers. I’m told the Lakers are not part of that destination of choice for De’Aaron Fox potentially,” Charania said.
That destination appears to be the San Antonio Spurs, per reports from James Ham of ESPN 1320 and Sam Amick of The Athletic. However, Amick did note that Fox’s camp “will remain open to all destinations.”
The Lakers don’t appear to be a destination given the franchise’s unwillingness to part with Reaves. He’s fared well for the Lakers in his fourth season, averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds.
Presumably, the hypothetical trade would have to include Reaves and more for Fox, who’s posting 25.1 points, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
At any rate, though, it’s a no for the Lakers regarding Fox, an impending free agent in 2026 whose time in Sacramento appears to be finishing up quickly after this week’s news.
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