The Los Angeles Lakers are once again in the mix as the NBA trade deadline approaches-but this time, the splash might be more of a ripple. With limited financial flexibility and less than $1 million to spare before hitting the first apron, any move they make will have to be calculated, cost-effective, and, frankly, clever.
That hasn’t stopped the front office from exploring ways to fortify the roster, especially on the defensive end. One name emerging from the rumor mill? Jose Alvarado.
The 27-year-old New Orleans Pelicans guard has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Lakers, Knicks, Rockets, and Spurs. Alvarado isn’t a headline-grabbing scorer, but what he brings is grit, energy, and defensive tenacity-the kind of edge that could help stabilize a Lakers backcourt that’s struggled at times to contain opposing guards.
Alvarado is on a team-friendly deal, earning $4.5 million annually with a player option for the 2026-27 season. That’s a manageable number for cap-strapped teams like the Lakers, who would likely need to send out a player to make the math work. The Pelicans, reportedly, are seeking multiple second-round picks in return.
Through 36 games this season, Alvarado is averaging 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He’s shooting 42.4% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc-solid efficiency numbers for a reserve guard who makes his living on hustle plays and pressure defense.
The Lakers’ interest in Alvarado speaks to a broader need: adding defensive intensity and depth without compromising their core. With Gabe Vincent still working his way back from injury, and Jarred Vanderbilt’s name frequently mentioned in trade chatter, the Lakers have a few movable pieces that could help facilitate a deal. Maxi Kleber has also surfaced in potential scenarios, though any trade would require careful balancing of salaries due to the team’s tight financial constraints.
A move for Alvarado wouldn’t be a blockbuster, but it could be one of those under-the-radar additions that pays dividends in the postseason. His ability to harass opposing ball-handlers, spark momentum with his energy, and knock down open threes makes him a fit for a team looking to sharpen its defensive identity.
In a crowded Western Conference, margins matter. And while the Lakers may not be swinging for the fences this deadline, a savvy acquisition like Alvarado could be exactly the kind of move that helps tip the balance in a playoff series.