Lakers Get GREAT NEWS on Trade Market

The NBA trade deadline often feels like a waiting game, with teams cautiously circling each other, reluctant to make the first move that sets the market in motion. This year, it took longer than expected—but the floodgates have finally opened. The blockbuster deal sending Trey Young from Atlanta to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no additional draft compensation, has officially ignited the 2026 trade season. The ripple effect is already being felt across the league, and for the Los Angeles Lakers, the timing couldn’t be better.

With the market now active, the Lakers—who have been hamstrung by asset limitations, roster holes, and the urgency of maximizing LeBron James’ and Anthony Davis’ championship window—find themselves at a crossroads. Will they stand pat, waiting for a perfect deal that might never come? Or will they capitalize on the new momentum to address their most glaring needs, especially at the wing?

This in-depth analysis will break down the Lakers’ position in the newly opened trade market, explore the most realistic and impactful targets, and offer strategic insight into how LA can navigate the deadline to emerge as a true contender.

Section 1: The Domino Effect—How Trey Young’s Trade Changed Everything

Setting the Stage

The Trey Young trade was more than a star relocation—it was a signal to NBA front offices that the market is ready to move. For weeks, teams had been hesitant, waiting for clarity on prices, player availability, and the willingness of rivals to deal. Once Atlanta and Washington agreed to swap Young for McCollum and Kispert, the message was clear: the time for action is now.

Why This Matters for the Lakers

Historically, once a major trade occurs, other teams become more willing to engage. Prices stabilize, expectations reset, and role players who were previously unavailable suddenly hit the market. For the Lakers, who lack the assets for a superstar but desperately need rotation upgrades, this is the best-case scenario.

Section 2: The Lakers’ Roster—Strengths, Weaknesses, and Urgent Needs

The State of the Lakers

Despite having two generational talents in LeBron and AD, the Lakers’ supporting cast has struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and defensive lapses. The team’s most pressing issue is the lack of a reliable 3-and-D wing—someone who can defend multiple positions, hit open threes, and provide the versatility essential for playoff success.

Jake LaRavia has shown flashes, but ideally, he’s a bench piece. The Lakers need a starter who can anchor the perimeter defense and offer consistent outside shooting.

Why a Role Player Matters More Than a Star

Given LA’s asset limitations (no first-round pick until 2031), chasing a third or fourth star is unrealistic. Instead, the Lakers must focus on acquiring high-level role players who fill specific gaps—especially on defense and at the wing.

Section 3: The New Trade Market—Who’s Available, Who Fits?

The Flood of New Wing Targets

With the market open, a host of wings and role players have been linked to the Lakers. According to recent reports, including Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the following names are in play:

Ochai Agbaji (Toronto Raptors)
Haywood Highsmith (Miami Heat)
Isaac Okoro (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings)
Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
Naji Marshall (Dallas Mavericks)
Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks)
Daniel Gafford (Washington Wizards)
De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks)
Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers)

Let’s break down the most realistic and impactful options for LA.

Section 4: The Top Targets—Fit, Price, and Upside

Ochai Agbaji: The Budget 3-and-D Wing

Agbaji is perhaps the most intriguing target for the Lakers. Toronto is reportedly eager to trade him to duck the luxury tax, willing to attach a second-round pick if a team takes back less than $4.5 million in salary. Agbaji’s profile:

Last season: 40% from three, 10+ points per game, took on tough defensive assignments nightly.
This season: Struggling (17% from three), but inconsistent role and playing time have contributed.
Defensive grades: A in ball screen navigation, off-ball defense, and isolation.

Agbaji’s shooting slump this year is likely an aberration. His 2022-23 campaign proved he’s a legitimate NBA shooter and defender. The Lakers could acquire him cheaply, possibly with a second-round pick attached, making this a low-risk, high-upside move.

Trade Mechanics: The Lakers and Raptors both push the first apron, so a two-team deal is tricky. A third team, like Brooklyn, could facilitate a three-way swap—sending Gabe Vincent to Brooklyn, Dalton Knecht to Toronto, and delivering Agbaji (plus a pick) to LA.

Haywood Highsmith: Defensive Specialist with Upside

Highsmith is another expiring contract wing who fits LA’s needs. He shot 38% from three last season, regularly took on the toughest defensive assignments, and grades out as an A defender in multiple metrics. He’s currently hurt but should return soon.

Highsmith and Agbaji together would give LA two versatile, defensive-minded wings on expiring deals—maintaining financial flexibility for the summer.

Isaac Okoro: The Derrick Jones Jr. Analog

Okoro is a young, defensive-minded wing who’s shooting 37% from three this season and regularly guards the top opposing scorer. He’s similar in build and production to Derrick Jones Jr., who was instrumental in Dallas’ Finals run. Okoro is only 24, fits both short- and long-term needs, and could be acquired for a reasonable package.

Trade Proposal: Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, a pick swap, and a second-round pick could get it done if Cleveland is ready to sell.

Keon Ellis: Under-the-Radar Defensive Wing

Ellis has been buried on Sacramento’s bench but is an elite on-ball defender. If included with Malik Monk in a deal, the Kings might be willing to move him—even to a rival like LA. Ellis is not a star, but his defensive impact could be a valuable addition.

Naji Marshall: The Defensive Shotmaker

Marshall, now with Dallas, is a strong defender and capable scorer (13.2 ppg last two seasons). He’s shooting just 31% from three this year but ranks in the 95th percentile in defensive matchup difficulty. Marshall’s fit is less ideal than others, but he’d give LA a more physical, versatile wing.

Bobby Portis: Stretch Big with Scoring Punch

Portis has been linked to LA as a power forward/center hybrid. He’s a career 38% three-point shooter and provides shotmaking off the bench. While not a priority over wings, he could fill frontcourt depth if the Lakers move other bigs.

Daniel Gafford, De’Andre Hunter, Robert Williams III

These names have surfaced, but none fit LA’s most urgent needs. Gafford and Williams are centers—LA has AD and doesn’t need another non-shooting big. Hunter is inconsistent and expensive.

Section 5: The Financial Strategy—Why Expiring Contracts Matter

Both Agbaji and Highsmith are on expiring deals. For the Lakers, preserving cap flexibility for the summer is essential. Trading for players on short contracts avoids long-term commitments and keeps LA nimble for future moves.

Section 6: The Three-Team Trade—How LA Can Get Creative

Because of salary cap rules, a direct trade with Toronto is difficult. A three-team deal involving Brooklyn (or another facilitator) solves the problem. LA could send out non-rotation players, help Toronto duck the tax, and still receive a pick.

This kind of creativity is what the Lakers must embrace given their asset limitations.

Section 7: The Realistic Path—Prioritizing Defense and Flexibility

LA’s best path is to target multiple mid-tier wings who:

Defend at a high level
Can hit open threes (even if streaky)
Are on expiring or short-term deals
Don’t cost a first-round pick

Agbaji, Highsmith, Okoro, and Ellis all fit this mold. Marshall and Portis are fallback options.

Section 8: The Big Picture—How the Lakers Can Win the Deadline

Why Role Players Matter

The Lakers don’t need another star; they need glue guys who can fill gaps, defend, and hit shots. The Trey Young trade lowered market prices and increased the number of sellers. LA must act quickly to scoop up undervalued wings before rivals pounce.

The Risk of Standing Pat

Waiting too long could leave LA empty-handed. The team can’t afford another deadline where they do nothing and hope for internal improvement. With LeBron and AD healthy, the window is now.

Section 9: Fan and Front Office Perspectives

What Fans Want

Lakers fans are clamoring for defensive-minded wings and shooters. The consensus is clear: prioritize 3-and-D over splashy names or redundant bigs.

What the Front Office Is Thinking

LA’s brass knows they must balance short-term improvement with long-term flexibility. The deals outlined above offer both.

Section 10: Conclusion—LA’s Deadline Mandate

The Lakers have a rare opportunity. The trade market is open, prices are reasonable, and a host of mid-tier wings are available. LA must act decisively, targeting players like Ochai Agbaji, Haywood Highsmith, Isaac Okoro, and Keon Ellis—guys who raise the team’s defensive floor, provide shooting, and maintain financial flexibility.

Standing pat is not an option. The time to strike is now.