The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active ahead of the February 6th trade deadline. With a 26-19 record and an overachieving team, their roster is in a prime position for improvement. These moves could help them get back to the NBA Finals and compete for a championship. Various players have been linked to the Lakers, with Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times breaking down the Lakers’ chances and optimism surrounding each name they are considering.
Lakers Unfazed By Poeltl And Valanciunas
Woike reports that the Toronto Raptors are open to trading Jakob Poeltl, who is under contract for $19.5 million through 2027 (with a player option in 2026). However, the Raptors want more than one first-round pick, which the Lakers are unlikely to offer for any player, especially Poeltl. “Take Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl, who is under contract for $19.5 million next season (with a player option at the same number in 2026-27). Poeltl, 29, is a talented center who could be the kind of player the Lakers would target.” “However, Toronto is rumored to be seeking more than a first-round pick for Poeltl (and perhaps even two). It’s the kind of price the Lakers just wouldn’t pay for a player like him, likely requiring they trade Rui Hachimura and maybe two first-round picks for a center who, ultimately, plays the same position as Davis — only worse.” As for Jonas Valanciunas, Woike notes that he’s a favorite among the Lakers’ front office due to his low salary of $30.2 million through 2026. The Lakers are actively trying to trade for him but acknowledge he may not fit under coach JJ Redick’s style. “Valanciunas, a known favorite in important pockets of the Lakers’ locker room, does offer post-scoring and could be a boost for their second unit, though playing through a back-to-the-basket center isn’t close to being coach JJ Redick’s stated style.”
Regarding Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks, the Lakers would struggle to match his $22.3 million salary without trading key players. Capela’s recent dip in form, which led to him being benched, raises concerns, and the two sides have not discussed a trade. “Atlanta’s Clint Capela is making $22.3 million, and while his contract is expiring, matching the money again would involve the Lakers trading at least one, if not two, pieces of their core for a center whom the Hawks just moved to their bench. The teams haven’t spoken about Capela, according to league executives not authorized to publicly discuss trade targets.”
Updates On Walker Kessler And Myles Turner
The Lakers have been trying to trade for Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler but have not succeeded. The Jazz have set a high price for him, and even the Lakers’ two first-round picks wouldn’t convince them to trade. “Utah’s Walker Kessler, a perfect fit in terms of rim protection and salary (he’s making less than $3 million), is thought to be completely unavailable in any reasonable trade scenarios, including the Lakers using both first-round picks. Things could change, but costs generally drop only for players teams are willing to trade, not for players they are not.” On Myles Turner, Woike reports that while he fits the Lakers’ need for rim protection and floor spacing, many view a trade for him with skepticism. The Pacers are playing well, and ownership wants to build on last season’s success, making it less likely they will trade Turner. “Another oft-mentioned target, Indiana’s Myles Turner, doesn’t seem like a realistic fit. There’s a real “I’ll believe it when I see it” vibe around the league in regard to his rumored trade availability, as the Pacers continue to play good basketball and their ownership wants to build off last season’s success.”
Lakers Have Some Alternative Options
The Lakers are also considering upgrading their backup center position if a starting center isn’t available. Jaxson Hayes has improved recently, and veteran bigs like Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are being explored. “If the costs are too high for starting centers, the Lakers could look to either upgrade from their backup center, Jaxson Hayes, or augment him by finding a player with greater bulk. Hayes, for his part, has played much better in the last two weeks after shaking off some rust from his extended absences because of ankle injuries.”
Los Angeles Lakers Need Some Playmaking
The Lakers also need a playmaker, an issue that has been apparent since trading D’Angelo Russell. Lonzo Ball and Bennedict Mathurin are being considered as options, though both could come at a steep price. “A center also is not the Lakers’ lone need. According to players inside the locker room discouraged from publicly discussing trade targets, there’s a desire for more playmaking, a need that’s become clear since the team traded D’Angelo Russell.”
Lakers Roster Hoping For Trades
The Lakers’ roster is aware of the team’s current struggles but remains hopeful that the front office will make moves in the final days before the trade deadline. “The desire inside the locker room for the Lakers to do something is real. The Finney-Smith addition, scouts and executives believe, has improved the floor for the Lakers by addressing toughness, defensive, and spot-up shooting issues. But holes on the roster remain.” The Lakers will have less than a week to finalize any potential trades.”
