Lakers ‘Big 3’ Debate: Lou Williams Slams Proposal to Trade Austin Reaves
LOS ANGELES, December 31, 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers possess arguably the most potent offensive trio in NBA history, but as the calendar turns to 2026, the question remains: Can they actually stop anyone?
That existential crisis sparked a heated debate this week after NBA insider Tom Haberstroh suggested the Lakers blow up their “Big 3” by trading fan-favorite Austin Reaves. The logic? A lineup featuring Reaves alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić is simply too porous defensively to win a championship. However, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams isn’t buying it, rushing to Reaves’ defense on Tuesday’s episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
The Case Against the Big 3
The catalyst for the drama was Haberstroh’s data-driven analysis, which highlighted a glaring issue: while the Lakers can score with anybody, their transition defense and perimeter containment have been abysmal. Haberstroh argued that with Dončić and James carrying heavy offensive loads (and often resting on defense), the Lakers cannot afford a third starter who isn’t a lockdown defender.
In Haberstroh’s view, Reaves is the odd man out—a valuable asset who could be flipped for defensive specialists to balance the roster around Luka and LeBron.
“We Gotta Have a Conversation About Luka”
Lou Williams, known for his own elite scoring prowess, vehemently disagreed with the idea of scapegoating Reaves. Speaking on Run It Back, Williams argued that trading Reaves would strip the Lakers of their essential insurance policy.
“God forbid, if somebody goes down, he’s shown you that he can be the guy that’s stepped in between the lines and hold it down for you on the offensive end,” Williams said, referencing Reaves’ proven ability to run the offense when the superstars sit.
Williams didn’t stop there, pointing out the hypocrisy in singling out Reaves for defensive lapses when the team’s cornerstone, Luka Dončić, isn’t exactly Gary Payton on that end of the floor.
“If Austin Reaves is the guy that’s holding you back on the defensive end, then we gotta have a conversation about Luka holding you back on the defensive end as well,” Williams countered.
The Reality for Los Angeles
The tension highlights the Lakers’ current tightrope walk. Since acquiring Dončić in the blockbuster deal of February 2025, the team has become a box-office juggernaut but remains inconsistent against elite Western Conference contenders.
Reaves has evolved from an undrafted grinder to a legitimate third star, averaging career highs in efficiency. Williams’ point is clear: Reaves provides the hustle, playmaking, and “connector” energy that keeps the team afloat. Trading him might fix a defensive hole on paper, but it could create an offensive void the Lakers aren’t equipped to fill—especially given the age of LeBron James and the durability concerns surrounding the roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers front office faces a familiar dilemma: stick with the chemistry they’ve built, or make a cold calculation in pursuit of a banner.
