Photo: YouTube

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to take a different approach ahead of the NBA trade deadline, surprising some who initially pegged them as a team in need of a center. Despite earlier rumors linking the team to Jonas Valanciunas, it now seems that the Lakers will prioritize different areas of need as the deadline approaches.

Since moving Max Christie into the starting lineup on December 8, the Lakers have found new success, going 8-3. During this stretch, the team ranks sixth in the NBA in defensive efficiency, and their offense has also started to click.

The recent acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, one of the top role players available on the trade market, has helped streamline the Lakers’ lineup, creating space for Austin Reaves to potentially become the team’s third star.

With the trade deadline just around the corner, rival executives believe the Lakers’ next move could be less focused on acquiring a third star or center, and more focused on speed, athleticism, and versatility. While center options like Valanciunas were once considered key targets, the Lakers’ strategy appears to be evolving toward a more dynamic, fast-paced approach.

“Instead of frantically hunting for a third star or pushing chips in on a starting-caliber center, the Lakers are expected to move in different ways than initially thought,” wrote Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Rival executives have noted the team’s growing emphasis on speed and athleticism as they aim to further enhance their roster.

Although the Lakers have shown interest in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, NBA insiders suggest that he’s unlikely to be available. Kessler, one of the league’s top rim protectors, is expected to remain with the Jazz through the trade deadline, limiting the Lakers’ options in terms of bolstering their frontcourt.

Despite the shifting focus, the Lakers remain competitive, sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 20-15 record. Their recent stretch of success, going 7-3 in their last 10 games, has kept them in contention.

The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, has been working to build a well-rounded team, focusing on both defense and offense. The shift from targeting a center to looking for more dynamic, athletic players signals a change in the direction the organization wants to go, aiming to stay competitive and agile as the postseason approaches.

With a month to go until the February 6 trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Lakers as they look to make strategic moves that will help them make a deep playoff run.