With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office are deep in the trenches, working to bolster a roster that’s currently sitting at 29-18. That’s a solid record, but in a loaded Western Conference, standing pat isn’t an option-not when the goal is to contend, not just compete.
The Lakers were in the mix for De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis, two wings who could’ve helped address one of the team’s biggest needs. But both players were moved in a three-team deal involving the Kings, Bulls, and Cavaliers, leaving Los Angeles to pivot quickly with just days left before the deadline.
Wing depth remains the glaring issue. The Lakers need perimeter defenders who can hit open shots, switch across multiple positions, and bring energy on both ends. With that in mind, let’s break down three trade targets who could realistically help this team right now.
1. Herbert Jones - New Orleans Pelicans
If you’re building a list of ideal fits for the Lakers, Herbert Jones is right at the top. He’s the kind of glue guy championship teams love to have-low-maintenance, high-impact, and relentless on defense.
Jones is averaging 9.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game this season, but the box score doesn’t tell the full story. His defensive presence has been elite.
He’s swiping 1.7 steals per game and has notched 1.5 blocks per game over his last 10 outings. That’s not just good-it’s disruptive, versatile defense that changes possessions and frustrates opponents.
The Lakers have been long-time admirers of Jones, and it’s easy to see why. He’d slot in seamlessly alongside LeBron and AD, taking on the toughest perimeter assignment every night and freeing up the stars to focus more on offense.
But here’s the catch: Jones is under contract for four more years, and the Pelicans aren’t in the business of giving away elite defenders on team-friendly deals. If the Lakers want him, it’s going to cost them-likely a rotation player and at least one future asset. The question is whether LA is willing to pay that price for a player who fits their timeline and identity so well.
2. Royce O’Neale - Phoenix Suns
Royce O’Neale might not have the same upside as Jones, but he brings a lot of what the Lakers need: toughness, experience, and the ability to play both ends of the floor.
He’s played in all 49 games for the Suns this season, averaging 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Those numbers speak to his consistency and his role as a dependable two-way wing. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and he’s capable of knocking down open threes and guarding multiple positions.
O’Neale’s value is in his versatility. He can guard wings, switch onto guards in a pinch, and hold his own in small-ball lineups. For a Lakers team that has struggled to find defensive consistency on the perimeter, he’d be a welcome addition.
He’s also under contract beyond this season, which could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives the Lakers some continuity.
On the other, it means they’ll need to construct a trade package that appeals to a Suns team that’s also in win-now mode. It’s not impossible, but it’ll take some creativity.
3. Kelly Olynyk - Utah Jazz
If the Lakers want a more affordable, plug-and-play option, Kelly Olynyk checks a lot of boxes. He’s not a starter, but that’s not what LA needs. They need a smart, steady veteran who can stretch the floor, bang inside when needed, and give them quality minutes off the bench.
Olynyk brings all of that. He can play both the four and the five, giving the Lakers flexibility behind Anthony Davis and some insurance in case of injury or foul trouble. He also brings a level of toughness and basketball IQ that tends to shine in playoff settings.
Financially, Olynyk is a manageable target. He’s on an expiring $13.4 million deal, which makes him easier to acquire without long-term cap implications. For a Lakers team that’s navigating a tight salary structure, that’s a big plus.
He wouldn’t be a flashy addition, but he’d be a functional one-someone who could help stabilize the second unit and give the Lakers more lineup versatility when matchups get tricky.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers are in a familiar spot: competitive, but not quite complete. With LeBron James still playing at an elite level and Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, the window is still open-but it’s not going to stay that way forever.
Missing out on Hunter and Ellis was a setback, but there are still viable options on the board. Whether it’s the defensive upside of Herbert Jones, the versatility of Royce O’Neale, or the veteran savvy of Kelly Olynyk, the Lakers have paths to improve.
Now it’s just a matter of whether Pelinka and the front office are willing to pull the trigger-and how much they’re willing to give up to chase banner No. 18.