Lakers Trade Rumors: LA 'Prioritizing' Depth over 'Star-Level' Player Before Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on filling out the team's rotation instead of acquiring another star player ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

"An expectation persists that the Lakers, while currently said to be prioritizing adding depth as opposed to pursuing star-level additions, remain likely to make at least one move," Fischer wrote on Sunday.

Los Angeles is looking to bounce back from a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season after reaching the Western Conference Finals during its 2022-23 campaign. The Lakers haven't been able to build upon a 3-0 start to their current season, as they sit at No. 10 in the West standings with a 13-12 record.

Rotation depth is a glaring issue for Los Angeles, as head coach JJ Redick's team ranks No. 29 in bench scoring to open the year (via NBA.com). The Lakers' reserves also own the fourth-worst offensive rating in the association.

A trade could help Los Angeles shoot up the standings in a crowded Western Conference, as a mere four games separate the Sacramento Kings at No. 12 from the Houston Rockets at No. 3.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported on Friday that the Lakers are focused on adding a point guard and a big man to "fill out their roster."

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis combining to average 50.3 points on a nightly basis, general manager Rob Pelinka appears to be eyeing depth pieces that fit alongside them instead of a third star that would potentially take the ball out of their hands.