Lakers Eye Active Role Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with building championship-caliber teams, are positioning themselves as active buyers in the run-up to the NBA trade deadline on February 6. With an established legacy of crafting squads around marquee players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have their sights set on enhancing their roster to maximize the twilight years of the James-Davis partnership.
Over the last few seasons, the Lakers have experienced a mix of successes and near misses in the trade market. In 2023, the acquisition of players like D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley helped propel the team to the Western Conference finals. However, these players have not been cemented as long-term fixtures within the organization.
The Lakers' history underlines their proactive pursuit of star power. Failed trade attempts for renowned players, such as Kyle Lowry in 2021 and Dejounte Murray in 2024, highlight a willingness to chase deals that could potentially enhance their championship prospects. Nevertheless, the Lakers abstained from any trade moves in 2022, opting instead to evaluate internal growth and development.
As of the current 2023 season, the Lakers hold a 14-12 record through their first 26 games. This places them 22nd in net rating, a statistic indicating room for improvement, particularly if they aim to contend with the elite teams in the league. LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain pivotal to their ambitions, though both face their own set of challenges. Davis, in particular, has battled plantar fasciitis, which could impact his performance and availability.
Despite these hurdles, both James and Davis are commonly regarded as untouchable assets within the franchise. Their significance is underscored by their contracts, reflecting their star value—Davis's salary is at $43.2 million, while James commands a hefty $48.7 million. In fact, James has further solidified his commitment to the Lakers by negotiating a no-trade clause, emphasizing his intent to see out his remaining years in Los Angeles.
Heading into the offseason, the Lakers' front office placed a significant emphasis on player development, a strategic pivot that highlighted the importance of nurturing internal talent. However, this focus came at a cost, as they missed out on acquiring shooting guard Klay Thompson during free agency—a player whose skill set could have met some of the team's on-court deficiencies.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers' limited draft assets for future trades present a barrier for major deals. Yet, their determination to build around James and Davis, described by Jovan Buha as "almost certainly won't be traded, barring them asking out of Los Angeles," underscores an unwavering commitment to crafting a roster capable of making a deep postseason run. Their strategy not only honors the achievements of their current superstars but also keeps a keen eye on securing their legacy with another championship banner.
The Lakers' proactive stance leading into February 6 is emblematic of a storied franchise unwilling to settle. With a blend of potential acquisitions and internal development, the Lakers are poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the NBA with an eye on maximizing their current partnership while laying the groundwork for sustained success.