The Los Angeles Lakers might not be expected to make a big splash before the NBA trade deadline on February 5, but that doesn’t mean they’re sitting on their hands. If the right opportunity comes along, especially one that checks both present and future boxes, it’s worth exploring.
One name that’s starting to gain traction? Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe.
And after what he just did on Tuesday night, it’s easy to see why.
The Lakers were in Brooklyn for a primetime matchup, and they didn’t just win - they dominated. The 125-109 final score actually undersells how one-sided this game was.
But in a night full of Brooklyn struggles, Sharpe stood out in a big way. The 22-year-old big man turned in one of the most complete performances of his young career: 19 points, 14 rebounds - 10 of them on the offensive glass - five assists, three steals, and a team-best plus/minus.
That’s not just stuffing the stat sheet; that’s making an impact in every phase of the game.
Now, is Sharpe a star? Not yet.
But he’s the kind of player who could thrive in the right system, and the Lakers might be just that. He’s on a team-friendly deal - the first season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract, with a team option for 2026-27.
That’s exactly the kind of flexibility Los Angeles values as they try to build around LeBron James and Anthony Davis without locking themselves into long-term commitments they might regret.
Sharpe’s numbers this season - 8.2 points, 6.6 boards, and 2.3 assists per game on 61% shooting - don’t leap off the page, but they tell a story of efficiency and growth. He’s shown steady improvement, especially in his feel for the game and decision-making. That kind of trajectory matters, especially for a Lakers team that needs role players who can contribute now and grow into bigger roles down the line.
And here’s the kicker: the Lakers locker room is reportedly already on board. According to recent intel, Sharpe has fans inside the organization, which is no small thing. Chemistry matters, and if the players believe in his fit, that’s a signal worth listening to.
With the Lakers holding a handful of expiring contracts, there’s a real pathway to making a deal - potentially even a three-team trade. The key will be finding a partner that values the financial flexibility L.A. can offer. That’s their biggest bargaining chip right now, and in a league where cap space is gold, it might be enough to get something done.
Sharpe might not be the blockbuster name some fans are hoping for, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar addition that could pay dividends. After Tuesday night’s performance, it’s clear he’s more than just a throw-in - he’s a young big who’s figuring it out in real time. And for a Lakers team looking to fine-tune its rotation and prepare for a postseason push, that’s exactly the kind of opportunity worth chasing.