This NBA trade deadline has seen very little action compared to previous seasons. However, with the Feb. 5 deadline fast approaching, rumors continue to swirl as teams aim to make the right deal to improve
their chances of a successful season.
The Lakers have made moves big and small in this situation, with last year’s trade for Luka Dončić representing the most extreme example.
While such a deal is highly unlikely to occur for the purple and gold this season, there are moves within the margins they can try to get done.
According to a column by Broderick Turner and Thuc Nhi Nguyen in the LA Times, the Lakers are targeting a slew of wing players.
According to some of those NBA folks, the names that have been attached to the Lakers as potential trade targets are Dallas’ Naji Marshall, a former Doncic teammate, Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter, Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo and Sacramento’s Keon Ellis. New Orleans’ Troy Murphy III and Herbert Jones are two players the Lakers have shown some interest in — as have many other teams — but NBA people say the asking price is so high that teams are waiting to see if that comes down by the deadline next week.
We’ve heard rumors regarding the Lakers’ desire for wing depth all season long.
Donte DiVincenzo and Keon Ellis are two quality players who can help the Lakers on the perimeter. DiVincenzo is averaging 13.4 points per game for the Wolves and converting on 38% of his 3-point attempts.
Ellis is averaging a modest 5.4 points per game and shooting 36% from beyond the arc. Those numbers might not excite fans, but in a new environment, perhaps the Lakers can maximize his impact if he comes to LA via a trade.
De’Andre Hunter is averaging 13.8 points per game and with the Cavs struggling this season, perhaps they are more willing to move some of their best assets during this trade deadline.
Naji Marshall is an intriguing player who LA is now associated with. He played with Luka briefly last year and is averaging 14.7 points per game. Marshall recently played against the Lakers and was effective, scoring 21 points as LA beat Dallas.
Troy Murphy III and Herb Jones have long been connected with the Lakers. The asking price for Jones was reportedly more than what LA can offer, so unless things change, that still feels unlikely.
In an attempt to acquire more assets, the Lakers have reportedly been trying to trade their 2032 first round pick for multiple future firsts.
Even if they do accomplish that, it’s been reported that the Pelicans will keep their core players, making a deal with New Orleans seem low.
Perhaps the deadline will inspire some action and convince the Pelicans to be sellers.
Whether the Lakers make a trade or not, it’s clear they want some improved play at the wing position. If they can make a deal now, they can inch closer to being title contenders. If not, then this will have to be an aspect of the roster they address in the summer.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
