Despite extensive trade discussions, the Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make a blockbuster deal before the deadline. They are looking for smaller upgrades to address key needs like two-way wings, a backup center, and another ballhandler. The team is currently sixth in the Western Conference and believes a few targeted moves could lead to a deep playoff run.
, the Lakers are still active in trade discussions around the league as the trade deadline approaches. Despite extensive talks, it remains unlikely that they'll go all-in to win now or tear the team down.The logic is that when examining the crop of players expected to be available at the deadline, there is no panacea for the Lakers .
The rest of the league seems to believe the Lakers will prioritize adding another big man to assist Anthony Davis, or a ballhandler to take the pressure off of James and Reaves.in late December. The 31-year-old wing has lived up to his billing by playing excellent defense and hitting shots from deep. However, his three-point percentage has dropped from 43.5% before the trade to 36.0% after.
The Lakers are currently 22-18 and sit sixth in the Western Conference playoff race. The good news is that outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder, every team in the conference looks beatable, so a postseason run is not far-fetched. It's possible with a few smaller upgrades, the Lakers could make a deep postseason run. Those are the kind of deals rivals are expecting them to make.Ryan Phillips is a senior writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He has worked in digital media since 2009, spending eight years at The Big Lead before joining SI in 2024. Phillips also co-hosts The Assembly Call Podcast about Indiana Hoosiers basketball and previously worked at Bleacher Report.
NBA Lakers Trade Deadline Roster Moves Playoffs
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Report on Possible Zach LaVine Bulls-Lakers TradeThe Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls remain involved in NBA trade rumors.
Read more »
Heat Part With Jimmy Butler In Proposed Blockbuster Trade For Lakers' Haul Of AssetsThe Miami Heat were recently predicted to part ways with Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Read more »
Lakers Eye Vucevic Over LaVine in Trade TalksThe Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting Nikola Vucevic as a potential trade acquisition, prioritizing him over Zach LaVine due to his contract value and overall skillset.
Read more »
Lakers Star Anthony Davis Reacts to Golden State Warriors TradeLos Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis spoke on the latest Golden State Warriors trade.
Read more »
Lakers Eager to Trade Draft Picks for Roster UpgradesThe Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push and are willing to trade their draft capital to acquire the right players.
Read more »
Lakers to Trade for Malik Monk in Proposed Deal with KingsThe Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be making big moves before the NBA trade deadline, with a proposed deal that sends Malik Monk from the Sacramento Kings to the Lakers in exchange for D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2031 first-round pick. The Kings have struggled this season, leading to the firing of head coach Mike Brown, and may become sellers before the deadline.
Read more »