The Los Angeles Lakers remain active on the trade market as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches, with the front office still prioritizing the addition of a larger two-way market, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
The search is focused on a player who can contribute on both ends of the floor, rather than a short-term depth piece.
Los Angeles has previously been linked to Herb Jones and Keon Ellis, although the New Orleans Pelicans have consistently pushed back on investigations involving both Jones and Trey Murphy III, indicating little interest in breaking up their core.
Stein notes that the Lakers are being selective with their assets, especially with their future cap flexibility.
Any willingness to compromise long-term financial plans would depend on bringing in what the team sees as a real difference-maker at the forward spot, rather than a marginal upgrade.
The urgency has been heightened by recent results on the field, as head coach JJ Redick openly expressed frustration with the team’s defensive effort following a lopsided loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Complicating matters further, the Lakers’ available future first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 is reportedly seen as less attractive around the league following the Luka Doncic trade elsewhere.
The franchise’s recent ownership change under Mark Walter has also affected how rival teams evaluate Los Angeles’ long-term capital.
Lakers are still looking for a two-way acquisition https://t.co/R24CO8UYYy
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 4, 2026
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