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Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks could be a top target for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers will not be bringing in either of their top NBA trade targets this week, as the February 5 trade deadline looms. Both DeAndre Hunter and Keon Ellis–perimeter wings who could amp up a sometimes moribund L.A. defense–have been dealt away, Hunter landing in Sacramento and Ellis (with old friend Dennis Schroder) in Cleveland.
So who’s next on the list?
“I’d keep an eye on Naji Marshall,” one NBA executive said this week. “If you’re not making a big swing on Giannis (Antetokounmpo) or someone like that, then he’s a guy who makes sense. He can play a few positions, he can guard a few positions, he can make shots. He’s one of those role stars. And Dallas would move him. They’re asking for a first-round pick but that might come down or maybe you decide to pay it. But if you’re a contender, he’s a good place to look.”
The executive said that the Lakers are known to have interest in Marshall, as well as the Warriors and Knicks, if the Antetokounmpo deals fall through, and the Pistons, among others.
Lakers Might Need to Give Up 1st-Round Pick
The question for the Lakers in pursuing Marshall would be two-fold. One, are they willing to give up a first-round pick in 2031 to get Marshall, having shown resistance to giving up that pick in the past? It’s not certain that another team will give up a first-rounder for Marshall, but if it does, the Lakers probably won’t cross that bridge.
The second question is whether Marshall’s 2026-27 salary ($9.4 million) is too much for a team that wants to keep its books as clean as possible to make a run at potential free agents. Marshall’s contract will expire after next year.
Naji Marshall Having a Career Year
The Lakers would certainly be getting a player at his peak if, indeed, they were to land Marshall. He is in his sixth season after coming to Dallas from New Orleans, and is averaging career highs in scoring (14.6), rebounds (5.0), and assists (2.9). Marshall also ranks 16th in the NBA in field goal percentage at 54.4%.
But, in another point against making a trade, Marshall is not a great 3-point shooter. He shoots 53.8% from the field, but has shot just 28.6% from the 3-point line in his two seasons with the Mavs.
GettyTrey Murphy III, top Lakers trade target
If Not Naji Marshall, Then Who for Lakers?
Beyond Marshall, the Lakers will still be investigating what assets they could move along in a deal that would bolster their chances at the deadline. Adding more defensive help remains a priority, and the team has inquired about Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
There is hope, too, that the Lakers might be able to pull off a deal for Herb Jones of the Pelicans. There is interest in Jones’ teammate, Trey Murphy, but the asking price for Murphy is high. Jones is more attainable as a true defensive stopper whose offense is decidedly lacking–he is averaging 9.2 points this year, on 39.7% shooting and 30.8% 3-point shooting.
But the Pelicans are said to be asking for a first-rounder for Jones, and that, too, could be too high a price.