The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the center of countless trade rumors, yet it looks like they’ll retain their core as the deadline approaches.
The Athletic’s Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported this morning that “the likelihood that the Lakers stand pat or make a marginal move has somewhat increased in recent days, according to team and league sources.”
The probability of the Lakers either maintaining their current roster or making a minor transaction has somewhat risen in recent days, per @jovanbuha
“Though James has made it clear where he stands and that he’d like for the organization to approach this deadline with the… pic.twitter.com/Hl7A3uAxHV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2024
NBA Rumors: Lakers Trade Chances Decreasing
Lakers Turnaround?
Every Laker not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis has been the subject of trade rumors, as the Lakers have failed to build upon their NBA In-Season Tournament championship. LA has gone 13-16 since then, sitting 9th in the Western Conference at 27-25.
James has been putting public pressure on the front office.
After the Lakers 122-138 loss to the Atlanta Hawks last week, the 39 year-old posted a heavily-discussed hour-glass emoji on X.
Since that post, however, the Lakers have won three games in a row, all on the road.
With James and Davis both out, the Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell-led Lakers managed to pull out a highly improbable road victory against the Boston Celtics. They followed that up by defeating the red-hot New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, this time with James and Davis both starring.
Lakers Trade Possibilities
The biggest name to have been linked with the Purple and Gold has undoubtedly been Dejounte Murray. LA is still interested in the former All-Star “as long as the Lakers don’t have to empty the cupboard beyond their initial offer of Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 2029 first-round pick (preferably protected) and additional draft compensation.”
LA may not be getting a star, but they will be aggressive in looking to land a wing defender.
Jarred Vanderbilt, acquired at the deadline last year in the Russell Westbrook trade, has asserted himself as the primary perimeter defender on the team. His recent right-foot sprain has ruled him out for at least four weeks.
Available defensive wings are a surplus on the trade market this year, and the Lakers could spring a move for one of them, Buha stated.
“Dorian Finney-Smith, Jerami Grant and Bruce Brown Jr. are others who fill important needs on the wing, according to team and league sources. Otherwise, the Lakers will likely make a move along the margins, possibly shedding some salary in the process, and then work the buyout market for a player or two.”
Lakers Western Conference Outlook
Pelinka won the trade deadline last year, transforming the Lakers from a pretender into a contender with a series of moves. He will need to assess if Los Angeles has enough to overcome a crowded Western Conference.
The West is even stronger this year, with the familiar foe Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers poised to make a run at the title.
The Phoenix Suns have lacked continuity this year, but it’s hard to rule out a team that features Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
And don’t forget the rising Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently occupy first and second in the West.
