The Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make a splashy move for marquee stars like Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, or Zach LaVine before the trade deadline, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
While the team is expected to explore avenues to improve their roster, financial hurdles, and fit concerns make these high-profile trades improbable. Instead, the Lakers appear to be targeting more realistic options, such as Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, and Dorian Finney-Smith, who offer valuable contributions at a more manageable price tag.
Jimmy Butler, arguably the biggest name on the trade market, has been at the center of speculation as the Miami Heat weigh their options. Butler is having one of his most efficient seasons, averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on a career-best 55.2% shooting from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. However, acquiring Butler comes with significant challenges.
His contract is hefty, with a player option worth over $52 million for the 2025-26 season. While Butler’s leadership, elite two-way play, and competitive fire would be a major boost for the Lakers, the financial constraints imposed by the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) make such a deal highly unlikely.
The Heat’s improved play further complicates a Butler trade. Miami has won four consecutive games and now sit at fifth in the Eastern Conference. With their upward trajectory, trading Butler may not align with the Heat’s immediate plans unless an overwhelming offer comes their way.
Zach LaVine has long been linked to the Lakers due to his scoring prowess and ties to Klutch Sports, but his contract makes him a difficult piece to acquire. LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, shooting an efficient 50.1% from the field and 42.8% from three-point range.
Despite these impressive stats, his massive contract—set at $178 million over five years—combined with the luxury tax and new second-apron restrictions, creates major roadblocks. For the Lakers, taking on LaVine’s salary would severely limit their roster flexibility moving forward, making the deal too risky.
Similarly, Brandon Ingram presents an intriguing trade option due to his scoring ability and familiarity with the Lakers’ organization. Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 46.5% shooting from the field and 37.4% from three-point range.
However, Ingram’s contract situation—earning $36 million in the final year of his deal—makes his future with the New Orleans Pelicans uncertain. While Ingram could provide much-needed offense and versatility for the Lakers, the Pelicans’ likely aim to cut payroll further complicates trade negotiations.
For the Lakers, targeting players like Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, or Dorian Finney-Smith makes more sense. These players bring specific strengths—Valanciunas provides size and rebounding, Johnson offers shooting, and Finney-Smith brings elite perimeter defense—without the financial burdens of acquiring a star like Butler, LaVine, or Ingram.
Ultimately, while the Lakers remain active in trade discussions, the likelihood of landing a high-profile star is slim. The front office seems more focused on adding complementary pieces that can improve the team’s defense, rebounding, and spacing without compromising long-term flexibility. As the trade deadline approaches, expect the Lakers to prioritize practicality over star power.
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