Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 28, 2025
Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
Don’t expect the Los Angeles Lakers to make a major splash ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
“There’s always a chance the Lakers are doing a huge smokescreen here and they are sneakily putting together some type of package for both first-round picks, and they’re going all in. But as I’ve reported, as others have reported, it seems like they are not thrilled about the current trade market,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported on his podcast (1:06:50 mark). “They aren’t necessarily looking to use both firsts. A more realistic outcome is a smaller move, likely with both seconds, potentially with a protected first. I think that’s probably the most they’re willing to give up right now unless the [Walker] Kessler talks go below two firsts. That would change that. ”
It remains to be seen if Tuesday’s big news in the NBA—that the Sacramento Kings will field offers for star point guard De’Aaron Fox—might change the Lakers’ thinking:
Shams Charania @ShamsCharaniaJUST IN: The Sacramento Kings are expected to open up talks to potentially deal All-Star De’Aaron Fox ahead of Feb. 6 trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. There will be plenty of suitors, but it’s believed that Fox has a target destination in mind ahead of 2026 free agency. pic.twitter.com/Oh3fXgZjm3
L.A. currently sit at 26-18 on the season, good for fifth in the Western Conference, thanks to wins in six of its past seven games. And the team already shook up its roster, trading D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and a trio of second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
The team is 8-5 since that deal, and it appears that the Lakers and first-year head coach JJ Redick have settled into a nice rhythm. While upgrading at center—which would allow Anthony Davis to play at the 4 more often, lessening his wear and tear throughout the season—would make sense, the Lakers appear to be on a good track regardless.
So if they do make another trade, improving on the margins is probably more likely than a major splash.
