With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5, things have been surprisingly quiet around the league - at least so far. But don’t mistake the silence for inactivity. Behind the scenes, phones are ringing, front offices are posturing, and teams like the Lakers are weighing their options as they look to shore up weaknesses and make a push in the second half of the season.
The Lakers, as always, are in the thick of the rumor mill. While last season’s blockbuster move for Luka Dončić was the kind of headline-grabbing deal that shifts the balance of power, don’t expect that level of fireworks this time around. This year, the focus appears to be on the margins - specifically, on adding wing depth.
According to league insiders, the Lakers have their eyes on several versatile wings who could help them both defensively and with floor spacing. Among the names being floated: Naji Marshall (Dallas), De’Andre Hunter (Cleveland), Donte DiVincenzo (Minnesota), and Keon Ellis (Sacramento). The front office has also expressed interest in New Orleans’ Troy Murphy III and Herbert Jones, though the asking price on those two remains steep - high enough that several teams, not just the Lakers, are reportedly waiting to see if it drops as the deadline nears.
Let’s break down what these players bring to the table.
Donte DiVincenzo has been a steady contributor for the Wolves this season, putting up 13.4 points per game while hitting 38% from beyond the arc. He’s the kind of gritty, two-way guard who can slot into multiple roles - a valuable trait for a Lakers team looking for more consistency on the perimeter.
Keon Ellis, while not as flashy, is another name worth watching. His 5.4 points per game and 36% shooting from deep won’t turn heads, but he’s shown flashes of being a high-energy defender and a capable spot-up shooter. In the right system - and with the right minutes - he could be a low-cost, high-upside addition.
De’Andre Hunter is averaging 13.8 points per game and brings size and athleticism at the forward spot. With Cleveland underperforming this season, there’s a sense that they might be more open to dealing some of their key pieces. If Hunter becomes available, he’d be a compelling fit in L.A.'s rotation, especially with his ability to guard multiple positions.
Naji Marshall is another intriguing option. He’s putting up 14.7 points per game and recently impressed in a head-to-head matchup against the Lakers, scoring 21 points in a competitive outing. His blend of scoring and physicality on the wing makes him a natural target for a team that’s been looking to bolster its depth at that position.
Then there’s Troy Murphy III and Herb Jones - two players the Lakers have been linked to for a while. Jones, in particular, is a defensive standout with a growing offensive game, but the Pelicans reportedly want a significant return to even consider parting ways. As of now, the Lakers may not have the assets to make that kind of deal happen - unless something changes in the coming days.
Speaking of assets, the Lakers have reportedly been shopping their 2032 first-round pick in hopes of flipping it into multiple future firsts. It’s a forward-thinking move aimed at increasing their trade flexibility, but even if they succeed, it might not be enough to pry loose the high-end talent they’re targeting - especially from a team like New Orleans, which seems intent on keeping its core intact.
Still, the trade deadline has a way of shaking things loose. A few bad games, a surprise injury, or a change in the standings can quickly turn buyers into sellers. If the Pelicans - or any other team - decide to pivot, the Lakers want to be ready.
Whether a deal materializes before February 5 or not, one thing is clear: the Lakers are actively looking for help on the wing. It’s been a point of emphasis all season, and if they can plug that hole now, they’ll be in a stronger position to make noise in the playoffs. If not, then that search will carry over into the offseason - when the stakes and the options might look very different.