Limited Assets Leave Lakers Eyeing Only Minor Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline
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The NBA trade deadline arrives Thursday at 12 p.m. PT, and the Los Angeles Lakers are weighing only incremental roster changes, according to league sources.
Los Angeles sits at 30-19, fifth in the Western Conference, despite a series of injuries throughout the season. Team officials, however, acknowledge a need for additional 3-and-D wings and a rim-protecting center to bolster a championship push. A shortage of tradable draft picks and a desire to preserve offseason cap space are limiting the front office’s options.
Cap space takes priority
General manager Rob Pelinka holds one first-round pick and one second-round pick that can be moved before the deadline. Expiring contracts for Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Rui Hachimura could be included in deals, but The Athletic’s Dan Woike reports that management is reluctant to jeopardize financial flexibility for next summer.
LeBron James’ $52 million contract expires after the season, while Austin Reaves will carry a cap hold projected to be roughly half of his next salary. Vincent and Kleber are also scheduled to come off the books, creating approximately $22.5 million in additional space. Preserving that room remains a central element of the Lakers’ strategy.
Draft picks still on the table—at a price
Rival executives told Woike the Lakers would consider trading their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick if a high-level wing became attainable. So far, no such player appears available at a cost the club is willing to meet.
Active but not aggressive
The Lakers continue to survey the market, yet meaningful upgrades have proven difficult because of limited assets and the team’s offseason objectives. While a deadline surprise is not ruled out, indications point toward a relatively quiet Thursday.
Los Angeles also has an open roster spot, allowing Pelinka to pursue a buyout candidate once the deadline passes.
Looking ahead to the summer
League sources add that the organization is expected to target a marquee player in July. Reports suggest Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the Lakers’ radar if he remains available, as the franchise seeks a star to pair with Luka Doncic.
The trade deadline closes Thursday at noon Pacific; any significant move by the Lakers would need to materialize before that time.
Source: LakersNation.com
