The Los Angeles Lakers have been expected to make a massive trade for much of the season. After adding Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers have a losing record and could chase after a star before the Feb. 6 trade deadline to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In theory, Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler are all possible targets, and stars like Trae Young, LaMelo Ball and even Stephen Curry, while implausible, can’t be eliminated.
As the Lakers get closer to the deadline, adding a third star is an option, holding pat is an option and adding another solid role player is also an option. However, one drastic move–trading their stars and tearing it all down–is not even being entertained.
“Rebuilding is the least likely option, if not entirely off the table,” wrote The Athletic’s Jovan Buha on Tuesday. “The Lakers pride themselves on being a star-friendly franchise, and there have been no indications that James or Davis want to leave. Trading them away, even to better situations from a contention standpoint, is against the organization’s ethos.”
If the Lakers were ever to trade James or Davis, it would have to be for either an established player who could keep them afloat or a truly elite young player.
The Lakers’ front office has never, and likely will never, embrace a full-on tank. As the glitziest team in the NBA, keeping a superstar on payroll to keep fans in their seats has long been their priority, and the media darling of the league will refuse to rebuild, despite it being a sensible option as the Lakers slip down the standings.
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