Mark Stein speaks loudly about the quiet part about trade fights
The Los Angeles Lakers currently sits at 21-11 and in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Although the Lakers would reportedly like to try to upgrade the roster NBA trade deadline and acquire a true 3&D winger, there are obstacles that work against itaccording to longtime NBA insider Marc Stein.
The first obstacle in the Lakers’ way in terms of roster changes to upgrade the roster at the deadline is the lack of available wings who can make an impact on both ends of the court. The The Lakers reportedly have New Orleans Pelicans winger Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III on their radar, but The pelicans showed no indication that they are willing to accept trade offers for anyone.
Another obstacle facing the Lakers is the looming possibility of sacrificing future cap flexibility for an immediate upgrade. As Stein reports, the Lakers reportedly aren’t opposed to sacrificing cap space this upcoming offseason if they can land a true difference-maker by the deadline. And the only problem with that goes back to the first point, that type of player might not be available.
The Lakers won’t trade for a change. Last season, the team managed to make two major changes in the season. The first was the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and multiple second-round picks. The other was a major blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, Masi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
The Lakers also agreed in principle to a third trade, sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and multiple draft picks for Mark Williams. That trade, however, was pulled after concerns about Williams’ health.
The Lakers were able to improve the roster through free agency with the additions of Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, but they are still not in true contender status.
2026-01-04 23:42:00
