With just over two weeks left before the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, the buzz around the league has been more of a quiet hum than a roar. But don’t let the calm fool you-this is often the point in the season when front offices start working the phones a little harder, and the Los Angeles Lakers are no exception.
So far, the Lakers have been linked to a handful of potential targets, including New Orleans’ defensive ace Herbert Jones. But as of now, there’s no clear momentum toward a deal.
That doesn’t mean they’re standing pat, though. In fact, there’s chatter that L.A. could be eyeing a much bigger swing.
According to recent whispers from league insiders, the Lakers might be exploring a move for Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr.-a name that hasn’t exactly been front and center in trade talks, but one that would certainly turn heads if it gains traction. The Lakers have also maintained interest in Nets center Nic Claxton, a player whose rim protection and switchability would fit nicely alongside Anthony Davis.
There’s some history here, too. The Lakers and Nets pulled off the Dorian Finney-Smith trade not long ago, and that established a working relationship between the two front offices. That connection could be key if discussions around Porter or Claxton were to heat up.
Now, Lakers fans know Porter Jr. all too well. Back when he was with Denver, he was a consistent thorn in L.A.’s side-stretching the floor, knocking down tough shots, and showing flashes of the elite scoring talent that made him such a tantalizing prospect.
Since landing in Brooklyn in the offseason in a deal that sent Cameron Johnson the other way, Porter has been putting up serious numbers: 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting 48.5% from the field and nearly 40% from deep. That’s not just good-that’s borderline All-Star production.
But here's the catch: Porter’s contract is no joke. He’s earning $38.3 million this season, which makes any trade for him a complicated financial puzzle. For the Lakers to make it work, they’d need to cobble together significant salary and likely part with valuable assets-young players, draft picks, or both.
That price tag might make Porter feel like a long shot. But this is the Lakers we’re talking about.
When the stakes are high and the window is narrow, they’ve never been shy about swinging big. Whether it’s Claxton, Porter, or another name that hasn’t surfaced yet, don’t be surprised if L.A. makes a move that shakes up the Western Conference pecking order.
The clock’s ticking. And if the Lakers are going to make a push, now’s the time to put their cards on the table.