Rival Teams Eye Lakers as Trade Deadline Nears
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With the NBA trade deadline drawing closer, league executives are watching the Los Angeles Lakers to see whether the front office believes its current roster can contend through the spring, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported.
The Lakers hold roughly $40 million in expiring salaries tied to Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, creating financial flexibility for potential deals. Los Angeles can also offer a first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032, giving the club at least one significant draft asset to include in trade talks.
While guard Austin Reaves is expected to return soon, concerns persist about the team’s lack of reliable two-way wing depth—an area viewed as critical for postseason success. The shortfall has been evident in matchups against top-tier opponents, according to league observers.
Sources told ESPN the Lakers are not seeking a headline-grabbing move for its own sake but are instead targeting a player who cleanly fits the roster. Standing pat could jeopardize the organization’s efforts to maximize the current competitive window built around star Luka Doncic.
Whether Los Angeles can convert its expiring contracts and distant first-round pick into a meaningful upgrade remains uncertain, but rival clubs expect the Lakers to explore every option before the deadline arrives.
Source: Hoops Wire
