NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to trade for $131 million Cleveland Cavaliers superstar to bolster roster; Austin Reaves key trade asset?
Times of India
by RAUNAK BOSEFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a significant trade ahead of the 2026 NBA deadline, with talks centering around acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers star Jarrett Allen. The proposed deal would send Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and multiple future draft picks to the Cavs in exchange for Allen. This move aims to bolster the Lakers' frontcourt, which currently lacks consistent size and rim protection, while addressing scoring and guard depth for the Cavs.
Allen, a 27-year-old center, brings elite rebounding and rim-protection skills to Los Angeles. His ability to complement Luka Doncic’s playmaking and pair with Deandre Ayton would create a formidable interior presence. For the Cavaliers, parting ways with Allen could allow Evan Mobley to step into a larger role, while Reaves’ shooting and playmaking would add guard depth alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The draft picks included in the trade provide Cleveland with future flexibility.
The proposed deal highlights the Lakers' need for size and defensive presence as they build around Doncic and LeBron James. Allen’s $20 million salary is offset by Reaves’ $13.9 million contract, making the trade financially feasible. However, the Lakers risk losing Reaves’ scoring and playmaking abilities, which have been crucial to their offense.
For Cleveland, the trade offers immediate improvements in spacing and guard depth while maintaining competitiveness on the perimeter. Knecht’s scoring potential adds another dimension off the bench, though the Cavs would lose Allen’s interior dominance. The deal underscores both teams' strategic shifts: Los Angeles prioritizing defense, while Cleveland focuses on perimeter scoring.
This potential trade matters globally as it reflects broader NBA trends of rebuilding rosters and addressing positional needs. For fans of both franchises, it offers a glimpse into how each team is positioning itself for future success. The Lakers’ pursuit of Allen signals their commitment to contending, while the Cavs’ focus on guard play highlights their long-term vision.
The trade also raises questions about Reaves’ role in Los Angeles and whether his departure would impact the team’s chemistry. Additionally, the multiple
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026