Lakers Trade Rumors, Latest on LA's Approach to 2026 NBA Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a solid start to the 2025-26 campaign, but they're hoping to make some moves ahead of the deadline.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, "the Lakers continue to scour the trade market in hopes of acquiring a two-way wing with size" before the deadline.

However, Stein also noted that the market for the kind of player the Lakers are looking for is a bit dry, especially since the New Orleans Pelicans are "still resistant" to trade either Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.

What Los Angeles does at the deadline may also determine its plans for the offseason. According to Stein, the Lakers "are only going to sacrifice their projected financial flexibility in the summer" if they can land a "real needle-mover" at the deadline.

The Lakers are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 21-11, but have struggled as of late, losing seven of their last 13 games. Adding some talent at the deadline could help their recent woes.