The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to making bold moves at the trade deadline - and with just over a week to go before this year’s buzzer, they may be lining up another one that could stir up some serious emotions in Dallas.
According to reports, the Lakers have their eyes on Naji Marshall, a high-energy, do-it-all wing currently playing a key role for the Mavericks. While the spotlight has been on bigger names, Marshall’s name is quietly gaining traction in trade talks - and if things heat up, this could be one of those deals that shifts the playoff landscape.
Let’s break it down.
Why the Lakers Want Marshall
This isn't a surprise move. The Lakers have been in the market for a two-way wing - someone who can defend multiple positions, knock down shots, and bring energy on both ends. Marshall checks all those boxes.
He's having a breakout season in Dallas, averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting an efficient 54.5% from the field. That kind of production, paired with his defensive versatility, makes him a perfect fit for a Lakers squad looking to bolster its rotation and make a deep postseason run.
Marshall isn’t just a plug-and-play guy - he’s the kind of player who can thrive in high-pressure moments. He’s played all five positions over the last season and a half, and his adaptability has made him invaluable to the Mavericks. His fit next to Cooper Flagg has been seamless, and that same chemistry was evident when he shared the court with Luka Doncic last season.
The Lakers know what they’re doing here. They're not just chasing talent - they’re targeting fit. And Marshall, with his relentless motor and team-first mentality, looks tailor-made for the bright lights of L.A.
A Reunion with Luka?
Marshall and Doncic built a strong bond during their time together in Dallas, and it’s clear the respect runs deep. Just last week, ahead of a matchup with the Lakers, Marshall spoke about his former teammate, saying, “I love playing against Luka.
That’s my guy. Miss him dearly.”
That kind of chemistry doesn’t fade overnight. If Marshall were to land in Los Angeles, it’s not hard to imagine the two picking up right where they left off. Their on-court connection was real, and their off-court friendship only strengthens the case for a reunion.
What This Means for Dallas
Here’s where things get complicated. The Mavericks value Marshall - and for good reason.
He’s been a bright spot in a season plagued by injuries, one of the few consistent contributors amid a rotating cast. Fans have rallied around him, not just for his production, but for the way he plays the game: with heart, hustle, and a refusal to back down.
Losing a player like that hurts. Especially if it’s to the Lakers. Especially after last season’s blockbuster that sent Doncic to L.A.
Dallas sees Marshall as a core piece moving forward, but the front office is also aware of the value he holds on the trade market. If the right offer comes along - one that includes future draft assets or young talent - the Mavericks may have to make a tough call. That kind of return could help them retool around their current core, but it would also mean saying goodbye to a fan favorite.
The Emotional Toll
Let’s be honest - this wouldn’t just be a basketball move. For Mavericks fans, it would be a gut punch.
The Luka trade is still fresh, still raw. Watching another beloved player like Marshall head to Los Angeles would reopen those wounds. And if the Lakers go on another deep playoff run with two former Mavs leading the charge, the frustration in Dallas would be palpable.
This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about identity.
It’s about loyalty. It’s about watching a player who gave everything on the court suit up for a rival team that already took one franchise cornerstone.
What Comes Next
There’s no guarantee this deal happens. Dallas still sees Marshall as part of its future, and the Lakers would need to put together a compelling package to make it work. But the interest is real, and with the trade deadline approaching, talks could escalate quickly.
If the Lakers do land Marshall, they’re not just adding a versatile wing - they’re reuniting two players with proven chemistry and playoff potential. For Dallas, it would be a tough loss, both on the court and in the hearts of fans.
So buckle up. The deadline drama is just getting started, and if this move goes down, it could be one of the biggest emotional swings of the season - for both franchises.