Per Stein, the market remains dry for quality wing players, and the Lakers are unconvinced to sacrifice financial flexibility if an acquired player won't be an immediate difference-maker.
It has been well-known already that the Los Angeles Lakers are steadfast about acquiring a potential two-way wing presence to their roster.
Despite a good 21-11 season start so far, the Lakers are facing serious defensive issues. A potential wing addition gives the team an added enforcer and hustle player to complement the trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Yet, Los Angeles is undeniably facing issues with how to get a deal done. According to Marc Stein, there is currently a low availability of wing players on the trade market. Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III, two of their rumored top names on their radar, aren't being made available by the New Orleans Pelicans.
In addition, Stein indicated that the Lakers are hesitant to sacrifice financial flexibility today unless it would be a significant difference-maker for them in the long run.
Right now, the Lakers can only be in a wait-and-see mode before the Feb. 5 trade deadline if a serviceable wing unit becomes available.
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