Lakers Seemingly More Likely To Make Minor Move Than Swing For Fences

As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Los Angeles Lakers are all the buzz. Welcome to the league as we’ve always known it.

Anyway, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers’ front office could follow one of three paths: they could use their tradable first-round picks to pursue a big-time roster upgrade, make a minor move with their remaining second-round picks, or — least likely –blow things up and trade away LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a full rebuild.

Of course, the notion of trading either James or Davis, who continue to be pillars of the Lakers’ success, seems far-fetched at this point.

Buha, citing league sources, notes that such a move would go against the Lakers’ organizational philosophy, especially with no indication that either star is angling for a move.

While teams around the NBA are always keeping an eye on star players, the likelihood of the Lakers parting ways with their two cornerstone figures, barring unforeseen developments, appears slim.

That said, Buha’s conversations with rival scouts and executives suggest the Lakers are more likely to opt for a minor deal than swing for the fences this February. Despite the glaring needs in their roster — most notably for a two-way wing, a secondary ball-handler, and a rim-protecting center — Los Angeles isn’t exactly flush with trade assets.

The Lakers’ options are limited given their lack of mid-sized expiring contracts and the absence of any clear trade chips beyond their first-round picks.

While some might hold out hope for a blockbuster move, it’s important to temper expectations. The Lakers, as currently constructed, are in a position where a modest tweak could improve the team, but the window for a major move doesn’t seem to be opening anytime soon.

Whether they address their weaknesses or stand pat, one thing is clear: this year’s trade deadline will be a critical moment in shaping their immediate future.

“The sense around the league, when talking to rival scouts and front-office personnel, is that standing pat or making a half-measure trade (likely one or two second-round picks) is more likely than the Lakers going all-in and trading both of their future first-round picks that can be moved,” Buha wrote. “That’s dependent, of course, on the available players, asking prices and the team’s performance through the deadline.”

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