Panic? Maybe. Urgency? Absolutely. The vibes around Crypto.com Arena are, to put it lightly, a bit of a mess right now. We’re sitting here in mid-January 2026, and the NBA trade news Lakers fans are obsessing over feels like a repeat of every deadline drama we’ve seen for a decade, just with new faces.
Except this time, the faces are different. Really different.
The Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles is officially in full swing, but it hasn't been the smooth sailing everyone pictured when the blockbuster went down last year. At 24-15, the Lakers are sitting 5th in the West. That sounds okay on paper, but the defense is a sieve—ranked 26th in the league—and the clock is ticking toward the February 5 deadline. Rob Pelinka is working the phones, but honestly, he’s playing a hand with very few high cards.
The Herb Jones Pipe Dream and Reality Checks
If you ask any scout what the Lakers need, they’ll say "3&D wing" before you can even finish the question. The name at the top of every wishlist is Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s the gold standard—an elite defender who can actually hit a shot.
But here is the thing: New Orleans knows what they have. Reporting from guys like Brian Windhorst suggests the Pelicans are asking for two unprotected first-round picks. The Lakers? They basically have one first-rounder they can actually move (either 2031 or 2032) and a single lonely second-rounder.
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Basically, unless Pelinka finds a way to manifest extra picks out of thin air, Herb Jones isn't walking through that door. So, what’s the actual plan?
- Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat): This rumor has been bubbling since the summer. Wiggins is a "plug-and-play" guy who wouldn't demand the ball from Luka or LeBron.
- Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers): The "Time Lord" is available. He’s on an expiring $13.3 million deal. If the Lakers want rim protection to help out Deandre Ayton, this is the budget-friendly move.
- Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors): He just requested a trade. The Lakers are interested, but so is half the league. Kuminga’s athleticism is exactly what this slow-footed roster lacks.
Why the Anthony Davis Trade Still Casts a Shadow
It’s weird to think about, but Anthony Davis is currently struggling in Dallas while the guy he was traded for—Luka—is trying to carry the Lakers. Recent reports indicate AD is dealing with significant ligament damage in his left hand. There’s even talk of season-ending surgery.
This matters for the Lakers because it validates the "win-now" pivot they made, but it also highlights how thin the margin for error is. When you trade the farm, you have to hit on every subsequent move. Right now, the "supporting cast" around Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves is... well, it’s shaky.
Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt were supposed to be the glue. Instead, they’ve been trade-chip fodder. Vincent is averaging a measly 5.4 points and Lakers fans have literally started booing him at home. It’s brutal. Pelinka is reportedly trying to package Vincent and Vanderbilt for any wing that can stay in front of a quick point guard.
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The "Bargain Bin" Strategy
One Western Conference GM told ESPN that the Lakers are "bargain hunting." They’re looking for guys like Keon Ellis from Sacramento. He’s cheap, he’s a defensive pest, and he doesn't need 15 shots to be effective.
Then there’s the Dalton Knecht situation. He was supposed to be the steal of the 2024 draft. Now? Kevin Pelton is reporting that he’s 12th on the roster in minutes and shooting barely 31% from deep. If Pelinka wants to make a real move, he might have to swallow his pride and trade the young shooter while he still has "potential" value.
Moving the 2032 Pick: The "Suns" Model
Kevin O’Connor recently dropped a fascinating nugget: the Lakers are trying to flip their 2032 first-round pick for multiple lesser first-rounders. It’s exactly what the Suns did with their 2031 pick.
If they can turn one "great" future pick into two or three "okay" picks from other teams, it gives them more ammo to go after someone like Nic Claxton or even Klay Thompson (who is currently languishing in Dallas and rumored to be available).
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Lakers Deadline
The biggest misconception is that LeBron James is calling the shots. Sure, Rich Paul (LeBron’s agent) is out here on podcasts saying the Lakers should trade Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr., but the front office is actually trying to build for the "Luka Era."
Mark Walter and the new ownership group are looking at 2027 and 2028. They don't want to just "help LeBron" anymore; they want to make sure Luka doesn't spend his prime years on a mediocre team like he did in Dallas. That's why they're being conservative. It’s frustrating for fans who want a ring now, but it’s the reality of the 2026 CBA rules.
Real Talk on the Roster Needs:
- Perimeter Defense: They are 26th in defensive efficiency. Luka and Reaves are great, but they aren't stopping anyone at the point of attack.
- Size: Deandre Ayton has been "fine," but they need a backup who can actually protect the rim when he sits. Robert Williams III fits here.
- Shooting: When the Lakers surround Luka with non-shooters like Vanderbilt, the spacing dies.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours
If you're tracking NBA trade news Lakers updates, stop looking for the "superstar" name. It's not happening. Instead, watch the following:
- Watch the Injury Reports: If AD’s surgery in Dallas is confirmed, it might take a potential multi-team trade partner off the board.
- Monitor Keon Ellis' Minutes: If he starts getting DNP-CDs in Sacramento, a trade to LA is likely imminent.
- The "First Apron" Math: The Lakers are roughly $1.1 million below the first apron. They cannot take back more money than they send out. Every trade has to be dollar-for-dollar or a salary dump.
The Lakers have about three weeks to save their season. Whether they find a "bargain" or continue to slide down the standings depends entirely on Pelinka's ability to turn "nothing" into "something" one more time.
Keep an eye on the waiver wire too. If a veteran like Marcus Smart gets bought out, the Lakers will be first in line, but for now, it’s all about those expiring contracts and that lone 2032 pick. The clock is ticking.