At the 2024 NBA trade deadline, Los Angeles Lakers chose to keep silent and make no changes before the clock struck 12 p.m. PT.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are instead seeking to acquire through the buyout market and will probably go after a third star during the summer, when they will have far more future draft capital to trade in a deal.
One of the most well-known players being discussed for a trade was D’Angelo Russell, the point guard for the Lakers, but Russell will stay with the Lakers. Given how brilliantly Russell has played over the previous 11 games—in which he is averaging 23.5 points per game—this suddenly appears to be a welcome change-up.
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the teams that was most active during the NBA Trade Deadline, and the Lakers were considered a club that may have added one of their players. PJ Washington was instead moved by the Hornet to the Dallas Mavericks, and Miles Bridges declined to be dealt.
The Atlanta Hawks’ decision to hold onto Dejounte Murray, another player the Lakers may have pursued in a trade, was another surprise on trade deadline day.
As they attempt to push for the playoffs, expect the Lakers to instead be active on the buyout market, acquiring additional depth and skill in the process. With a current record of 27–25, the Lakers are now ranked ninth in the Western Conference. When it comes time for the NBA Playoffs, they’ll want to add one or two essential pieces to hopefully advance and avoid having to compete in the play-in round.