The Lakers have a defensive rating of 116.8, which is 23rd in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets are the only team currently in a playoff position with a worse defensive rating and that’s just by decimal points, as Denver sits at 117.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been among the top teams in the Western Conference this season, but making further improvements ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline reportedly may not be in the cards.

The trade deadline is now officially less than a month away and the Los Angeles Lakers once again are in need of moves to upgrade their roster. One name in particular they have been linked to is New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones,

The Pelicans have informed teams that Herbert Jones is not available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, spelling bad news for the Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks are still recovering after the Luka Doncic trade changed everything for the franchise. With the trade deadline approaching, Bleacher Report

On January 6, 2026, the topic came up on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, where former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins suggested the Lakers trade Austin Reaves to the Phoenix Suns for Dillon Brooks. The idea surfaced shortly after Los Angeles picked up a 111–103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, adding context to the timing of the discussion.

The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to a number of players ahead of the deadline, but new trade rumors hint at major difficulties with any move.

This NBA executive delivers a grim outlook on the Los Angeles Lakers' trade plans this season as the deadline looms.

An NBA trade proposal sending Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings to the Los Angeles Lakers has been created. NBA writer Zach Kram of ESPN created the