As the Los Angeles Lakers strategize for potential improvements ahead of the NBA trade deadline to address their struggling roster, it appears that LeBron James and Anthony Davis may not be the only untouchable players on the team.

Despite a challenging first half of the season, mirroring the struggles of the previous year, the Lakers remain optimistic about turning their performance around. General manager Rob Pelinka, known for his proactive approach, has successfully made impactful moves before, offering hope for a mid-season resurgence.

While there has been speculation about potential additions like Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine, it has been widely assumed that James and Davis are the only untouchable players on the roster. However, a recent report suggests that Austin Reaves is considered nearly untouchable by the Lakers.

According to The Athletic’s Lakers reporter Jovan Buha, while Reaves may not be technically labeled “untouchable,” he is as close to it as any player other than James and Davis. The Lakers highly value Reaves and have no inclination to trade him, given his cost-controlled, team-friendly deal for at least two more seasons.

For the Lakers to entertain the idea of moving Reaves, they would reportedly require either a clear-cut All-Star—someone surpassing the caliber of Murray or LaVine—or multiple rotation upgrades. This stance indicates the Lakers’ confidence in Reaves’ potential and his significance to the team’s future.

Despite Reaves facing challenges and a dip in shooting percentages this season, the Lakers appreciate his breakout performance in the previous season. With statistics of 15.0 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the current season, Reaves remains a key asset for the Lakers.

Although there have been defensive struggles leading to Reaves being replaced in the starting lineup at times, the Lakers’ emphasis on retaining him signals a commitment to developing young talent amid the team’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging season.