The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching the 2025 NBA trade deadline with caution, reportedly favoring smaller, strategic trades over an “all-in” blockbuster deal.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers are unlikely to pursue dramatic roster changes, instead leaning toward moves that patch specific weaknesses while retaining long-term flexibility. The rationale for this approach lies in a combination of financial constraints, limited trade assets, and the lack of high-impact players available in their price range.
The Lakers find themselves $3.5 million under the second apron, which limits their ability to absorb significant salaries without navigating complex cap mechanics. While they are not hard-capped like 18 other teams, their financial situation restricts them from pursuing stars like Jimmy Butler or Cam Johnson without giving up significant assets.
Their trade assets are also limited. The team already moved D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks in December to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, bolstering depth but leaving fewer chips to play with. Buha reports that the Lakers are prioritizing trades involving second-round picks rather than dipping into their limited first-round capital.
The Lakers’ roster has clear deficiencies that could be addressed with incremental upgrades. Buha notes the team is seeking a big man and a secondary ballhandler.
Potential targets like Steven Adams or Bruce Brown fit the Lakers’ criteria for affordable, impactful additions without sacrificing significant future assets. We at Fadeaway World have proposed a move to bring Steven Adams to the Lakers. Adams would provide a tough, reliable interior presence, allowing Davis to slide to his preferred position and reducing his workload.
Additionally, we’ve suggested another move in which the Lakers can secure a major upgrade without giving up significant assets, keeping their future draft capital intact.
The Lakers’ caution this season mirrors their approach during the 2022-23 campaign when they made several smaller moves—acquiring Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and Mo Bamba—rather than swinging for the fences. That strategy helped them climb from a 13th seed to the Western Conference Finals.
This season, the Lakers currently hold a 22-18 record and sit in sixth place in the Western Conference. Despite LeBron James continuing to defy Father Time and Anthony Davis providing elite productivity, inconsistency and lack of depth have plagued the team. A marginal upgrade, similar to past trade deadlines, could stabilize their playoff position and give them a fighting chance against elite teams.
Beyond the Steven Adams proposal, Fadeaway World has identified five potential trades the Lakers could explore before the deadline. These moves range from acquiring a versatile wing player like Bruce Brown to bringing in a promising center like Day’Ron Sharpe. Each suggestion balances immediate impact with long-term flexibility, ensuring the Lakers remain competitive while preserving their future.
The trade market is thin on transformational talents. While Cam Johnson’s shooting and defense are an ideal fit, his high asking price (two first-round picks) has likely removed the Lakers from contention. Jimmy Butler’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, but there’s no indication Los Angeles is seriously pursuing the Miami Heat star.
Instead, the Lakers are evaluating more modest targets to avoid overpaying for short-term gains. With limited options and a focus on preserving their future, the team appears to be navigating the deadline with patience and prudence.
While fans may dream of a headline-grabbing trade, the Lakers’ front office seems committed to balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility. By targeting complementary pieces that enhance the existing roster, Los Angeles aims to position itself for a playoff run without mortgaging its future. The Lakers’ approach reflects the reality of building around aging superstars while staying within financial and asset constraints—a delicate balancing act that could define their season.
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