On February 4, Beijing time, only one week away from the trading deadline, the well-known US media Bleacher Report (B/R) analyzed and predicted the operation of the Lakers' trading deadline, they pointed out that the Lakers' first demand is on the front line, and also listed three most realistic reinforcement targets.
The Lakers' leverage is rather limited
As previously introduced by the US media, the Lakers' chips are very limited. They shouldn't be exploring davis deals, and Westbrook is hard to get sent away, so their most attractive asset is the first-round pick in 2027 or 2028. On the one hand, this first round came from the Lakers without James, and it is likely to be a high-pick first round, but from another point of view, it is too far away.
Other than that, the Lakers really don't have anything to do. Tucker, 21, is only theoretically attractive, and his deal value has shrunk significantly after signing a 3-year, 30.8 million contract and performing mediocrely. Nunn's $5 million contract is also one of the chips, but Nunn has not yet played due to injury and is still a 5.3 million player option next season.
The Lakers' first demand is the front
The question may be a bit broad, but B/R pointed out that the Lakers' first need is a striker who is both offensive and defensive, which is their ideal target for reinforcements. James' return due to a knee injury is undecided, Anthony's main contribution is on the offensive end, and the Lakers can't always rely on the elderly Ariza. After they broke up with Caruso, Pop and Kuzma, the defense on the outside was very problematic.
The Lakers also need to add more shots and the ability to create shooting opportunities. From a shooting point of view, a center who can open up space is also the target of the Lakers, who have been difficult to interest in Turner, who can shoot and protect the basket, but their chips are difficult to impress the Pacers.
The Lakers' three realistic goals
Many US media have posted a deal plan with fewer and thick eyebrows, such as salary expert Bobby Max suggesting a deal with the Lakers and the Knicks, using Westbrook, Jordan Jr., Ellington and the protected 2027 first-round signing to trade the Knicks' Walker, Fournier and Burks, but these are not realistic.
B/R pointed out that in terms of the Lakers' chips and needs, their three most realistic targets are The Rockets' Gordon, Magic's Terrance Rose and The Trail Blazers' Covington. The three have room to bargain for different reasons, Gordon's age and contract, Rose's shooting form and Covington's precarious defense. But it is precisely because of this that the other party is likely to accept the Lakers' offer.