Ever since clinching the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament title earlier this month, the Los Angeles Lakers have seemed to lose their momentum.
The purple and gold squad are 4-6 during their last ten games, enduring a four-game losing streak in that span and a Christmas Day loss at home against eternal rivals Boston Celtics. They currently stand in ninth place at the Western Conference with a 16-15 record.
According to a report by league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers are looking to prioritize two specific needs when it comes to acquiring players ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.
"Speed and athleticism are certainly a priority," Wojnarowski answered on social media platform Threads when asked by a fan about the Lakers' plans for their roster in the coming months.
The Lakers have a bunch of tradable contracts in their books, such as Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell to be able to cater to their needs as the season goes on.
A strategic trade involving certain players might be just what they need to reignite their spark and return to form.
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3 Players LA Can Trade For Amid Latest Priorities:
1. Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls have been openly considering parting ways with their standout shooting guard, with rumors swirling as far back as the 2023 NBA Draft.
Despite enduring multiple injuries in his career, the 28-year-old still stands as one of the NBA's most athletic talents.
As a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner, his scoring prowess would be a valuable asset to the Lakers, especially given their current need for offensive strength to complement their defensive lineup.
Other teams are also on the hunt for LaVine, and the Lakers might have to be the one to overpay for the two-time NBA All-Star if they really want to acquire him.
2. Dejounte Murray
The Atlanta Hawks guard also fits the bill of the Lakers' preferences, and they are certainly interested in the 6-foot-5 player.
Murray, a former NBA All-Star and All-Defensive Second Team member, is renowned for his impactful performances on both ends of the court. He notably led the league in steals during the 2021-22 season.
Yet, the feasibility of a trade for Murray hinges on whether the Lakers possess sufficient assets to secure him, as such a deal would likely demand the inclusion of key players, potentially someone such as Austin Reaves.
3. Pascal Siakam
Trading for Siakam might be a bit of a fairytale dream for the Lakeshow, given Raptors president Masai Ujiri's reputation of being a hard-nosed negotiator, but they could make it work by adding a third team to the mix.
The Cameroonian power forward is currently on his athletic peak as of the moment, and despite an expiring contract, the Lakers could use his services with their win-now situation.
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