After a hot start to the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have cooled off in recent weeks, showing they need to improve their roster at the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5 if they want to compete for a championship.
The Lakers’ needs have become clear as they sorely lack 3-and-D players on the perimeter and a rim protector on the inside. Finding those things are easier said than done, however, especially given the Lakers’ lack of trade assets.
Rob Pelinka currently has one tradable first-round pick at his disposal in either 2031 or 2031 to go along with plenty of expiring contracts like Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and Maxi Kleber.
Considering that wouldn’t get them much, recent reports indicate the Lakers are looking to swap that first for multiple lesser firsts to have more options. With that being the case and given their lack of assets and known desire to maintain future financial flexibility, the Lakers are believed to be looking for bargain deals, via Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
“They’re going to be looking for bargain deals and they might be able to find one if they’re willing to take on long-term money,” one West general manager said. “But they probably need to make sure that player is a good fit with Luka to justify it.”
If the Lakers aren’t willing to pony up then they likely won’t get one of their top targets, which is New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones. The Pelicans are said to not be interested in trading Jones right now, but that could always change if they are given the right offer from a team like the Lakers.
Pelinka has been prioritizing financial flexibility for years now and while that may make sense for the long-term building around Luka Doncic, it could crutch them at the trade deadline. With around three weeks to go though, things can always change depending on who is available.
Lakers remain interested in Jonathan Kuminga
One player the Lakers could pursue if they are looking for a bargain is Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. The young wing has been out of the Warriors’ rotation and clearly is looking to find a new home.
It remains to be seen what Golden State will be looking for, but the Lakers have known interest in Kuminga going back to the offseason and may be able to add him using expiring contracts and light draft compensation.
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