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METAIRIE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 23: Herbert Jones #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jordan Poole #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo during media day at the Oschner Sports Performance Center on September 23, 2025 in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that has championship aspirations. In order to reach those goals, they are going to need some help at the trade deadline. Right now, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Without Austin Reaves in the lineup, LA’s offense has slipped. Still, defense is the clear need for them as the deadline approaches. Right now, Los Angeles has the sixth-worst defense in the NBA. They mainly need help on the perimeter, as Reaves and Luka Doncic are poor defenders.
Bleacher Report has revealed what the top three trade targets for the Lakers should be with the deadline approaching next month.
GettyNew Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones plays defense. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Lakers’ Top Three Trade Targets Revealed
Herb Jones is listed as the top target for Los Angeles. However, the Pelicans have made it clear that they will not be trading Jones at the deadline. Jones would be the perfect fit for what the Lakers want a perimeter player to be, but he is likely off the table.
Another target they have is Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade. Wade is able to switch on the perimeter, even if he isn’t a great defender. Wade can also shoot it well from beyond the 3-point arc. Cleveland isn’t likely to start trading assets when they see themselves as title contenders, though.
Robert Williams III is the most realistic trade target that they could acquire. He is an oft-injured center, so his trade value isn’t very high. LA would likely be able to get him for a low price, which is intriguing to them. Adding depth at center would be nice to have.
When Williams III is healthy, he is more effective than Jaxon Hayes as a backup center. He would raise their ceiling defensively as a rim protector, which is something they need when Deandre Ayton rests on the bench.
GettyPortland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III walks down the court. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Lakers Will Likely be Active at the Trade Deadline
Even if the Lakers are not able to land one of those three players, expect them to be active at the trade deadline. They have a few expiring contracts that they can use as assets. Using those contracts to improve the team ahead of the deadline is something they have to do if they expect to compete for a title.
Without making a move, the Lakers are likely going to be behind several teams in the Western Conference pecking order. Offensively, they sit eighth in the league. As long as Reaves, Doncic, and LeBron James are healthy, that end of the court shouldn’t be an issue for them.
Rob Pelinka is still in search of a contract extension with the organization. Getting one could be dependent on what he is able to do ahead of the trade deadline this year. Los Angeles is going to be active next month, even if they don’t land one of their top guys.