The Los Angeles Lakers explored a significant trade before securing Austin Reaves' contract extension. According to HoopsHype, the franchise held discussions about Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware, both then with the Miami Heat, before agreeing to a four-year, $185 million extension for Reaves.
The trade didn't materialize, but it reflects that the Lakers explored other avenues to strengthen their perimeter core and add more offensive talent around their project. Herro, one of the league's most reliable scorers when healthy, appeared as a high-impact option for the Lakers' wing position.
The package reportedly put on the table included several first-round draft picks, though the discussions didn't advance far enough to be completed. Ultimately, Los Angeles decided to bet on Reaves' continuity, one of their important pieces in the perimeter rotation.
Herro's situation changed shortly after with the major trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo, which sent the shooting guard to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Wisconsin native will now begin a new chapter at home after a 2025-26 season marked by injuries, but in which he once again surpassed 20 points per game.
Kel'el Ware was also part of the Lakers' interest. The young center has shown notable progression, averaging 11.1 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, plus an impressive 39.5% from three-point range. His combination of size, rim protection, and outside shooting threat makes him one of the most attractive young big men in the NBA.