Overview
- The Lakers’ defense has sagged into the league’s lower tier, including a 25th-ranked rating allowing 117.8 points per 100 possessions, intensifying urgency to add a stopper.
- A widely circulated mock trade proposes Herb Jones to Los Angeles for Gabe Vincent, rookie Dalton Knecht and a 2032 top-14 protected first-round pick.
- Bleacher Report’s latest list highlights Herb Jones, Dillon Brooks and Robert Williams III as fits to raise the perimeter and rim protection without cratering the offense.
- Analysis of Brooks notes a strong season and a contract around $21 million this year and $20 million next, with any deal likely requiring salary-matching pieces plus a first-rounder.
- Insider Jovan Buha projects the Lakers will be active ahead of the deadline, as separate reporting flags Austin Reaves’ player option and potentially pricey next deal as variables in trade planning.