The NBA’s trade window closes on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 12:00 p.m. PT, and the Los Angeles Lakers are searching for upgrades to remain credible contenders during the 2025-26 campaign. After last season’s blockbuster that sent Luka Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles, the Lakers built a core of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves but still lack size, athleticism, and dependable two-way role players.
The Dallas Mavericks possess several players who meet those needs, yet a deal between the two franchises appears doubtful. Dan Woike of The Athletic reported on Jan. 12 that league sources “find it hard to believe that Dallas is in a hurry to help the Lakers via trade,” reflecting lingering frustration among Mavericks fans over the Doncic trade.
Dallas sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and owns its 2026 first-round pick, while having traded away each of its next four firsts. With an eye on pairing affordable talent around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks have incentive to tank this season rather than improve Los Angeles’ roster. Team leadership is wary of further backlash unless the Lakers present an offer viewed as a clear overpay.
Meanwhile, head coach JJ Redick and the Lakers face a demanding stretch of five games in seven days: at the Sacramento Kings on Monday, home against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday and Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, at the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, and back in Los Angeles to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Redick said the coaching staff is mapping out rest and rotation plans to navigate the tight schedule.
Source: Lakers Nation
