With the 2026 NBA trade deadline set for February 5, the Los Angeles Lakers are quietly exploring roster upgrades. While they may not dominate headlines like the Warriors or Knicks, the Purple and Gold aim to address scoring inconsistencies and defensive gaps that have hampered their season.

More specifically, the team is on the lookout for Herb Jones, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonathan Kuminga.

Potential Trade Targets

Jonathan Kuminga Shatters NBA Trade Rumors By Signing $48.5 Million
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Per Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, here are the reasons why the Lakers might chase these young guns ahead of the trade deadline.

Herb Jones – At 27, Jones is a defensive-minded wing whose injury history has limited his play. Still, he could pair well with Luka Doncic, bringing depth and perimeter defense.

Jonathan Kuminga – Following uncertainty around Golden State's roster after Jimmy Butler's torn ACL, Kuminga emerges as a versatile scoring and defensive option who can complement both starters and bench units.

Jaren Jackson Jr. – The former Defensive Player of the Year offers floor spacing with a 36.1% three-point shooting rate and a defensive anchor. At 26, he could balance Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton while improving overall team flexibility.

Lakers' Current Struggles

Through 41 games, the Lakers have battled inconsistent scoring and defensive lapses. While LeBron James and Luka Doncic maintain elite production, the team's bench contributions and spotty defensive rotations have made potential trades critical. Injuries, especially to key players like Austin Reaves, further complicate depth management.

If James and Doncic are the only ones scoring for the team, they should seek help from the defensive players in the transition. The only way to do that is to sign reliable defensive players during the trade deadline. To make it worse, James and Reaves will be free agents soon.

According to Heavy, adding a 3-and-D wing or a versatile big man could give coach JJ Redick the flexibility to surround the team's stars with complementary talent. While no trade guarantees instant success, acquiring players like Jones, Kuminga, or Jackson addresses clear roster weaknesses, boosting the Lakers' second-half competitiveness.