The Lakers are likely to make a trade before the February 5 deadline, but options are limited, and any move may be modest.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, though options may be limited.
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According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the odds of the Lakers making a move are around 60%, with the likelihood increasing as the deadline approaches.
Buha explained the challenges in the current market:
"Part of the pessimism comes from the potential lack of high-end options," he said on the latest episode of Buha Block. "Like outside of Herb Jones, who we don't even know is really available, there are not many like starting-level 3-and-D guys that have been openly on the market yet."
Even other players previously discussed, such as Dillon Brooks and Andrew Wiggins, are not expected to be available.
"So, if you put those guys to the side, you put Herb Jones potentially to the side, either because he's not available or because the Lakers don't have enough, you get into slim pickings really quickly. And it's the Keon Ellis, Ayo Dosunmu, Saddiq Bey."
Buha assessed the fit of these potential targets:
"I like all those guys. I just don't know if that's a player starting 30-plus minutes and closing games against OKC, Denver, Houston. Like that continues to be my standard for the optimal move for L.A.—like Herb Jones, I believe, can be out there.
"I can envision Herb Jones on Shai. I can envision Herb Jones on Jamal Murray. I can envision Herb Jones on KD or Amen Thompson."
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Regarding what the Lakers might realistically offer in a trade:
"I think there is a universe in which the Lakers' like optimal or like the—the most they're willing to trade is some combination of Maxi, Dalton, and a second. And you can get something for Maxi, Dalton, and a second, but I don't think that's necessarily moving the needle that much."
Buha also clarified that while a move seems likely, its size may be limited: "The distinction here is the size of the move."
According to multiple sources, Los Angeles is looking for a 3-and-D wing: a player who can knock down threes and make an impact on defense.
The Lakers' primary trade assets are expiring contracts and future draft picks, with second-year forward Dalton Knecht seen as a likely in-season trade candidate.
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