The Los Angeles Lakers are making bold roster moves just before the February 6 trade deadline as they attempt to improve their competitiveness this NBA season.
One of the most notable recent transactions saw the Lakers acquire forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. This trade involved giving up point guard D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks, marking a significant strategic shift for the franchise.
Finney-Smith, boasting nine years of professional experience, is recognized for his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. He is currently averaging 10 points per game on 42.7% shooting from beyond the arc, fulfilling the Lakers' urgent need for a solid 3-and-D forward. “We’re in a good spot with our starting group right now,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “So, he’ll play and he’ll come off the bench, and like I’ve told you guys several times, I want consistency with [the starting] group, but I’m not going to be stubborn and locked without change if it’s not working. But it’s working right now, and [Finney-Smith] is a guy who can fit easily with any lineup.”
Despite the positive acquisition of Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers are setting their eyes on bigger targets. Reports from The Athletic’s Sam Amick have indicated the team is closely monitoring Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox. This interest is shared with franchises like the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, all of which appear to be frontrunners for Fox should he decide to leave Sacramento.
Fox, who has established himself as a formidable player, is presently under contract for $34.8 million this season, with rising impacts expected as his contract extends to $37 million by 2025-26. His impressive performance, including averages of 26.8 points, 6.2 assists, and five rebounds per game, has not gone unnoticed, especially following recent turbulence for the Kings, including the firing of head coach Mike Brown.
“While league sources say Fox has not asked for a trade, teams, including the Lakers, are preparing for the possibility of clinching the talented guard,” Amick noted, emphasizing the lack of urgency for Sacramento to part ways with their star player.
The overarching consensus among analysts seems to be focused on the likelihood of Fox making himself available for trade is more probable during the summer rather than imminently during the trade deadline. The Lakers, wanting to maintain their competitive edge, will need to negotiate creatively to facilitate any potential deal. A successful acquisition of Fox will require the Lakers to possibly offload key players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt.
For the Lakers, the stakes are high as they navigate through the dynamic atmosphere of the NBA trades. With Finney-Smith’s addition expected to shore up their rotation, the franchise continues to balance immediate improvements against long-term planning, all under the spotlight of eager fans and watching analysts.
With the Western Conference already teeming with talent, leveraging the opportunity to acquire Fox could redefine the Lakers' path moving forward. It's not just about individual accolades; it’s about team synergy and the pursuit of championship glory, which keeps team management focused and decided on making those timely moves—whether they’re to blend star talent like Fox or work on developing effective rotations with newly acquired players.