The Los Angeles Lakers had been actively exploring avenues to strengthen their roster ahead of the trade deadline, with a particular focus on acquiring a center to complement the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, those plans were abruptly altered by an unexpected opportunity.
According to league and team sources, the Mavericks approached the Lakers with a trade proposal involving Luka Dončić, a proposition that proved too enticing to resist.
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But what about those original plans? Despite the trade for a generational talent, the frontcourt remains a problem. As Bill Plaschke of the LA Times put it; “The one thing the 6-foot-6 star doesn’t do is play center. The Lakers now need a center. And they have four days to find one.”
Los Angeles Lakers Still Seeking Frontcourt Help

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha that trade remains on the table.
“The Lakers’ most glaring hole now is at center. Jaxson Hayes is their starter for the time being, which is a problem,” Buha wrote. “He’s closer to being a fringe rotation center than a starting one. If the Lakers are serious about contending this season, the center need is the starting point. Ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, Los Angeles will explore the market for a center upgrade based on its current assets, though it’s unclear how much draft capital they are willing to include in such a deal, according to team and league sources.”
Lakers Could Part With LeBron James Before NBA Trade Deadline
In addition to that, Buha believes a LeBron James trade cannot be dismissed.
“Now that Davis has been dealt, though, a potential James trade ahead of the deadline can’t be ruled out. He has a no-trade clause, can test free agency this summer, and is also extension-eligible this offseason. The James-to-Golden State murmurs are likely to pick back up this week.”
Buha still sees opportunities to add talent to the roster, but finds the avenues tough to traverse to get a deal done.
“Beyond a center, they could use another 3-and-D wing to replace Christie and bolster lineups around James and Dončić. That’s easier said than done with limited assets to trade.”