The Los Angeles Lakers trade Austin Reaves to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick is a bold NBA trade proposal that could reshape both franchises and create a more balanced Lakers roster while giving the Raptors an instant offensive boost.
With Lakers Raptors trade rumors heating up and speculation around Scottie Barnes trade value increasing, this deal stands out as a strategic pivot for Los Angeles to retool around Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
In the current NBA trade landscape, the Lakers need depth, versatility, and playmaking, assets that Barnes and Dick bring to the table.
This Lakers trade proposal also addresses the Raptors’ desire to flip assets for established scoring options while managing their long-term development timeline. Ultimately, trading Reaves for Barnes and Dick could elevate Los Angeles’ overall team dynamics and give Toronto a proven scorer as they look to retool their backcourt.
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At the heart of this proposal is Scottie Barnes, a multi-faceted forward who is currently averaging 19.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the 2025-26 season for the Raptors, showing he can contribute across the board on both ends of the floor.
Barnes’ size, defensive potential, and playmaking make him a valuable piece for the Lakers, someone who can initiate offense, guard multiple positions, and add strength to the second unit.
Gradey Dick, meanwhile, offers floor spacing and youth as a 22-year-old wing, posting about 6.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting roughly 40 % from the field this season.
His shooting potential could develop further in the Lakers’ system, giving Los Angeles another scoring threat alongside Barnes.
For the Toronto Raptors, acquiring Austin Reaves would provide a reliable scorer and proven secondary option who can take pressure off emerging stars like Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Reaves’ playmaking ability and knack for producing big offensive nights, such as his 44-point performance against Toronto on December 4, 2025 — demonstrate his capacity to impact games in a way most young wings cannot.
At 27 years old and averaging roughly 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season, Reaves gives Toronto a go-to option they’ve lacked at times.
His ability to create offense at multiple levels could accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild and help them stay competitive in the tough Eastern Conference.
Critics of the trade might argue that Los Angeles should keep Reaves, especially given his breakout into the top 10 in scoring this season and his playmaking upgrades.
Keeping Reaves could allow the Lakers to build around him alongside Luka Dončić, maintaining continuity and maximizing offensive firepower.
Retaining Reaves gives the Lakers a strong scoring backbone and a rising star they can develop with long-term cap flexibility, especially if they believe his prime is still ahead. Additionally, his chemistry with the current Lakers core could lead to sustained success without sacrificing future depth.
However, the trade for Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick addresses several strategic needs for Los Angeles: improved positional versatility, length on defense, and more balanced scoring options throughout the rotation.
For Toronto, adding Austin Reaves gives them a proven offensive difference-maker and accelerates their competitive timeline. As Lakers trade chatter continues around the league, this proposal remains one of the most intriguing and symbiotic deals on the table.
