The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to trade rumors-it's practically tradition at this point. Whether they're riding high or scrambling for answers, the Lakers always seem to find themselves in the thick of the NBA’s trade chatter. This season, though, the noise feels a little louder-and for good reason.
The Western Conference is a battleground, and the Lakers’ current roster, while not without talent, has some clear flaws. That’s put pressure on the front office to make a move. But pressure doesn’t always lead to action, and right now, there’s a growing sense that the Lakers may not have the right pieces-or the right market-to pull off anything significant before the deadline.
Let’s break down where things stand with the names that have been floated, the deals that didn’t happen, and what’s still (barely) on the table.
The De’Andre Hunter Deal That Wasn’t
There was legitimate interest from the Lakers in De’Andre Hunter, a capable 3-and-D wing who could’ve filled a real need. But once the asking price came into focus, the Lakers hit the brakes.
The proposed deal would’ve sent Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht to Cleveland in a package for Hunter. That’s already a steep price, but what really made the Lakers balk was the lack of any sweetener-no draft compensation, no additional assets, and Hunter only has one year left on his deal after this season. That’s not the kind of return that justifies giving up two rotation pieces, including a promising young scorer in Knecht.
There were discussions about potentially involving a third team to make the math work-Brooklyn was floated as a possible partner willing to absorb salary in exchange for picks-but that never materialized. Once the Kings swooped in and landed Hunter, the Lakers were officially out.
Andrew Wiggins? Still No Movement
Andrew Wiggins has been linked to the Lakers off and on since the summer, but nothing has ever come close to the finish line. That hasn’t changed.
The Lakers’ interest in Wiggins is understandable-he’s a former All-Star with championship experience and defensive versatility. But the Warriors haven’t been eager to move him for spare parts, and the Lakers haven’t offered anything that’s moved the needle.
Meanwhile, Miami has been lurking as a potential suitor for Wiggins in a larger deal involving the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but even in that scenario, the Lakers would likely need to give up a first-round pick to get involved. That feels like a non-starter for a front office that’s been reluctant to part with future draft capital.
Naji Marshall: Price Tag Too High
Another name that’s surfaced is Naji Marshall, who’s been solid in Dallas and has drawn interest from several contenders. The Lakers are among the teams that have reportedly kicked the tires on the 28-year-old wing, but the Mavericks are holding firm on a high asking price-a first-round pick.
Now, Marshall is on a team-friendly deal and brings toughness and two-way ability, but it’s fair to question whether he’s worth that kind of asset. In a market where first-round picks are being treated like gold, the Lakers don’t appear willing to pay that premium for a role player.
So… Are the Lakers Doing Anything?
All signs point to a quiet deadline in Los Angeles.
According to multiple reports, the Lakers have been active in talks-offering up expiring contracts-but they’ve been unwilling to include future first-round picks or take on long-term salary. That’s a pretty narrow lane to work in, especially when the market is already thin.
The bigger picture here is that the Lakers seem to be playing the long game. They’re reportedly eyeing the summer of 2026, when they’ll have access to three tradable first-round picks and a clearer path to retool the roster around Luka Dončić. Right now, they can only move one first-rounder, and they appear hesitant to burn it on a marginal upgrade.
Of course, this is the Lakers we’re talking about. They operate quietly, and they’ve pulled off surprise moves before. But more often than not, that silence has meant standing pat.
With the trade deadline just days away, we’re about to find out whether they’ve got one more trick up their sleeve-or if this season’s version of the Lakers is the one they’re riding with the rest of the way.