The Los Angeles Lakers were actively looking to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline, especially aiming to acquire a center to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, those plans changed when an unexpected trade opportunity came up.
According to sources close to the team, the Mavericks approached the Lakers with a trade offer involving Luka Dončić, which was too good to turn down.
But what about the Lakers’ original needs? Even after landing Dončić, the frontcourt is still a concern. As Bill Plaschke of the LA Times pointed out, “The one thing the 6-foot-6 star doesn’t do is play center. The Lakers now need a center. And they have four days to find one.”
Lakers Still Searching for Frontcourt Help
As reported by Jovan Buha from The Athletic, the trade for Dončić is still on the table, but the Lakers’ biggest need now is at center.
“The Lakers’ most glaring hole now is at center. Jaxson Hayes is their starter for the time being, which is a problem,” Buha wrote. “He’s closer to being a fringe rotation center than a starting one. If the Lakers are serious about contending this season, the center need is the starting point.
Ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, Los Angeles will explore the market for a center upgrade based on its current assets, though it’s unclear how much draft capital they are willing to include in such a deal, according to team and league sources.”
LeBron James Trade Still a Possibility
Buha also suggests that a trade involving LeBron James can’t be ruled out.
“Now that Davis has been dealt, though, a potential James trade ahead of the deadline can’t be ruled out. He has a no-trade clause, can test free agency this summer, and is also extension-eligible this offseason. The James-to-Golden State murmurs are likely to pick back up this week.”
Even with that, Buha sees room to add more talent to the roster but notes the challenges in making a deal.
“Beyond a center, they could use another 3-and-D wing to replace Christie and bolster lineups around James and Dončić. That’s easier said than done with limited assets to trade.”
