The Real Reason the Lakers Won’t Trade for De’Aaron Fox

With the trade deadline just days away, the rumor mill is in overdrive, and some major names could be on the move.

News broke that the Kings are open to dealing All-Star De’Aaron Fox, sparking immediate speculation about potential landing spots. And because L.A. is always in the mix when a star becomes available, the Lakers were immediately linked. But any real traction on a deal seems unlikely, mainly because the Lakers won’t budge on one major sticking point.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers have made one thing clear—Austin Reaves is untouchable.

“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. 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.”

Reaves has been off-limits in trade talks for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. He’s on one of the best contracts in the NBA, providing consistent scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility. If the Lakers were ever going to move him, it would have to be for a massive return—and in theory, Fox should fit that bill.

At 27 years old, Fox is one of the most dynamic point guards in the league. A former All-Star, he’s averaging 26.9 points and 5.6 assists while shooting a career-best 37.5% from three. He’s a legitimate difference-maker who could help the Lakers transition into the post-LeBron era.

But even if Reaves was on the table (which he isn’t), pulling off a Fox trade would still be a challenge. The Lakers would have to send out key rotation players and multiple draft picks to make salaries match and satisfy Sacramento’s asking price. Given the complexity of a deal, L.A. landing Fox seems like a long shot

While the Fox situation unfolds, the Lakers have a much bigger problem—Anthony Davis’ health.

Davis suffered an abdominal strain against the Sixers and is expected to miss at least a week of play. That leaves the Lakers even thinner in the frontcourt, an area that was already a concern prior to the injury.

His absence isn’t just about missing one of the Lakers’ best players—it completely changes how the team functions. When healthy, Davis is the defensive anchor, leading one of the NBA’s top shot-blocking units and providing elite rim protection. His ability to switch onto perimeter players and guard multiple positions makes him irreplaceable, especially in a modern NBA that demands versatility.

Offensively, he’s just as important. Davis is averaging 24.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 55.3% from the field. When the Lakers play through him, they get easy buckets in the paint, and his improved passing has helped improve ball movement. Without him, the offense stagnates, forcing LeBron James to take on an even bigger workload—something that isn’t sustainable at age 39.

Davis’ importance to the Lakers also explains why he’s been so vocal about needing another center. He’s never hidden his preference for playing power forward instead of full-time center, and while he’s been willing to embrace the five in key moments, his durability takes a hit when he’s forced to battle bigger bodies every night. That’s why L.A. has been linked to centers like Jonas Valančiūnas, Jakob Poeltl, and Clint Capela.

Despite Davis’ injury, the Lakers aren’t planning to alter their trade deadline approach. Reports indicate that the team doesn’t view his absence as serious enough to warrant a major shift in strategy. Addressing the frontcourt remains a priority, but there’s no heightened sense of urgency beyond what was already there.

With the trade deadline approaching fast, the Lakers are weighing their options. A blockbuster deal for Fox seems unlikely, but a move to solidify the roster—especially in the frontcourt—still feels very much in play.

Given Davis’ importance, Pelinka can’t afford to sit back—securing the right pieces around him isn’t just about surviving his absence. It’s about positioning this team for a deep playoff run.