The Lakers are looking for a two-way wing that can help solidify their starting lineup. But they’ll only surrender their assets and give up their flexibility if that player turns them into a true contender.
According to Marc Stein, the Lakers will only make a trade this season for a needle-mover.
“It’s believed that the Lakers are only going to sacrifice their projected financial flexibility in the summer — which is expected to furnish them with the ability to make significant roster changes — only if they can acquire a real needle-mover at the position.”
A Selective Strategy
The Lakers aren’t going to make a trade just to make a trade. A marginal upgrade is not enough. If Los Angeles is going to give up assets and their projected summer flexibility, it needs to be for a player who clearly raises their championship ceiling. This has been the Lakers’ M.O. heading towards the trade deadline for the past few seasons, and it makes sense.
At the same time, this approach comes with a familiar risk. We’ve seen this movie before. Rob Pelinka uses the promise of a bigger move in the summer as an excuse for inaction during the season. Hopefully, that’s not the case this season.
But out of the Lakers’ rumored two-way targets, who would be considered a needle-mover?
Herb Jones — Needle-Mover
A former First Team All-Defense selection, Jones is one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders and a legitimate 3-and-D wing. He immediately raises the defensive floor and ceiling while easily fitting into the offense.
On a Lakers roster that consistently struggles to contain elite wings, Jones would be a game-changer. He wouldn’t transform the Lakers into a defensive juggernaut, but he would allow them to match up more cleanly with the league’s best. This is exactly the type of player that could take LA to the next level.
Andrew Wiggins — Needle-Mover
Wiggins is more complicated, but he still fits the category. A former champion with the Golden State Warriors, Wiggins has already proven he can be a key piece on a title team. At his best, he defends top wings, rebounds, runs the floor, and knocks down open threes.
For the Lakers, he checks several critical boxes: size, athleticism, playoff experience, and the ability to take tough defensive assignments away from LeBron James. The risk is that his production hasn’t always matched his peak, but the championship pedigree and positional fit make him worth the risk.
De’Andre Hunter — Not a Needle-Mover
Hunter would be a slight upgrade over Rui Hachimura. But he doesn’t change playoff matchups or force opponents to adjust. He’d likely run into the same issues that Rui does by being pushed out of his natural position. He’s best at guarding 4s, but would likely be asked to play more on the perimeter next to LeBron. This limits his defensive value.
You don’t give up your future flexibility for a marginal upgrade, especially for one that doesn’t really solve your issues.
Bottom line
The Lakers don’t need a move. They need the right move. Holding assets for the summer is logical, but only if it’s paired with accountability in the current season as well. If a true needle-mover becomes available, they can’t hesitate to act. If not, standing pat may be the right call — as long as patience doesn’t once again turn into a missed opportunity.
