Will they or won’t they?
Los Angeles Lakers fans have been waiting and hoping for news about a major trade that will surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with more support and a big-name star to help them power through the postseason.
But fans might need to keep hoping.
Brian Windhorst is reporting that the Lakers have shown “little aggression” on the trade market and are hesitant to use any future first-round draft picks in a potential trade.
“The Lakers’ recent discussions with teams show little sign of aggression, sources say, and those actions speak to their concern level about their stars at the moment. The Lakers have shown a reticence to put their future first-round picks into trades in recent seasons, and there’s no indication that position has shifted,’ Windhorst wrote, per NBACentral.
According to Windhorst, if a trade does happen, it’ll likely be minor, like the recent one that sent Dorian Finney-Smith to LA.
The Lakers have shown little aggression in trade talks and are not eager to part with their future first-round picks, per @WindhorstESPN
“The Lakers' recent discussions with teams show little sign of aggression, sources say, and those actions speak to their concern level about… pic.twitter.com/bTtKgGz9Ek
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 24, 2025
This isn’t what Lakers fans wanted to hear, but it’s what many of them expected.
General manager Rob Pelinka has been notoriously resistant to the idea of sending away the team’s first-round draft picks.
If the trade market was stronger with bigger names out there, he might change his mind.
But he doesn’t want to cash out those picks, especially because they will only get more coveted in the years ahead.
They have other draft picks with less value and Pelinka will likely deal those away, but they won’t bring in All-Star talent.
Pelinka has utmost faith in his current team, especially when it’s healthy and when Jarred Vanderbilt is back.
As for the fans, they are worried that the Lakers have promise but not enough to get through the playoffs.
They would love to see Pelinka swing for the fences and aim for something substantial, but it sounds like that will not happen.
NEXT: LeBron James, Anthony Davis Are Reportedly Growing Concerned About Lakers' Roster
