With the NBA trade deadline about six weeks out, the rumor mill is already heating up-and the Los Angeles Lakers are right in the thick of it. While no blockbuster deals have gone down just yet, the Lakers are clearly doing their homework as they look to shore up a roster that’s struggled with perimeter defense, foot speed, and consistent outside shooting.
Lakers Eyeing 3-and-D Help
The Lakers’ front office reportedly has its sights set on acquiring at least one athletic 3-and-D wing-an archetype that’s become essential in today’s NBA. Two names that have surfaced repeatedly in connection with L.A. are Herbert Jones of the Pelicans and Keon Ellis of the Kings.
Both are young, defensive-minded wings who can knock down shots and guard multiple positions. The problem?
Neither New Orleans nor Sacramento seems eager to part with them. But as we know, a lot can shift between now and February 5.
Internal Talks: Wiggins, Derrick Jones Jr. Among Potential Fits
According to league insiders, the Lakers have already had internal discussions about Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins, dating back to this past summer. Wiggins hasn’t quite lived up to his All-Star form from a couple seasons ago, but he still brings size, switchability, and playoff experience-three things the Lakers could use. If L.A. is willing to compromise future cap flexibility, revisiting those talks isn’t off the table.
Another intriguing name to watch is Derrick Jones Jr. of the Clippers. Lakers fans might remember how well Jones fit alongside Luka Dončić during his time in Dallas-slashing to the rim, defending wings, and hitting just enough threes to keep defenses honest.
This season, Jones has been solid, putting up 10.5 points per game while shooting over 53% from the field and nearly 35% from deep. He's also contributing nearly a block and a steal per game in under 25 minutes of action.
The catch? He’s currently sidelined with a sprained MCL.
Still, given the Clippers’ lack of draft assets and their up-and-down season, they may be open to reasonable offers.
Other Names in the Mix
Scouts and execs around the league have also tossed out a few other players who could be fits in purple and gold. Brooklyn’s Terance Mann, Charlotte’s Josh Green, and Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu have all been mentioned as potential targets.
Mann, a 6-foot-6 wing, is averaging 8.4 points, 3.5 boards, and 3.7 assists per game while playing over 26 minutes a night for a Nets team that’s struggling to stay afloat. His versatility and defensive instincts would fit well alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Green is a bit more of a project at this point. He’s only appeared in five games this season and has seen his minutes drop, but he’s shown flashes as a reliable shooter in the past. At 6-foot-6 with the ability to defend multiple positions, he’s the kind of low-risk, high-upside swing the Lakers might consider if the price is right.
Dosunmu, on the other hand, would be a more ambitious get. He’s averaging 14.8 points per game for a Bulls team still very much in the mix for a play-in spot. Chicago values him highly, so prying him loose would likely require a significant package-something the Lakers may not be equipped to offer.
The Trade Asset Dilemma
And that brings us to the real issue: the Lakers’ trade cupboard isn’t exactly overflowing. They’ve got one first-round pick and one second-rounder they can move, and there’s reportedly not much league-wide interest in their recent draft picks.
That puts the front office in a bit of a bind. They want to upgrade, but they’re limited in what they can realistically offer.
Still, this is a team led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis-two stars who aren't just playing for stats, but for banners. If there’s a move to be made that gives them a better shot at contending this season, the Lakers will explore it.
Whether they can find the right player at the right price remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: L.A. knows what it needs. Now it’s just a matter of whether the market gives them a chance to go get it.