As the February 8 trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Lakers (21-22) are actively exploring trade options to enhance their roster and boost competitiveness.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are eyeing several players to address their needs, including Portland’s Jerami Grant, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier, Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr., and Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale.
Grant, in the first year of a five-year, $160 million contract, boasts impressive stats, averaging 21.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Rozier, with two years left on his four-year, $96 million contract, is having a career-high season, averaging 23.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
Trent, on an expiring three-year, $52 million contract, has experienced a dip in performance, averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Finney-Smith, in the second year of his four-year, $55 million contract, contributes with 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
O’Neale, in the final year of his four-year, $36 million contract, provides a well-rounded game, averaging 7.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
As the Lakers navigate potential trades, these players emerge as key targets, offering solutions to the team’s strategic needs.