Overview
- Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the roster is imperfect but praised the group’s recent cohesion and effort.
- A 112-100 loss to the Knicks again exposed perimeter issues, with New York hitting 43.8% from deep as Los Angeles ranks 26th in three-point defense.
- Several wing targets have moved off the board or proved too costly—De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis were dealt elsewhere—and the Lakers can offer only one future first, one second and up to five swaps.
- Luka Dončić said the team is “in a good spot,” LeBron James voiced support for the group with a call to improve, and the Lakers sit 29-19 in sixth place in the West.
- Austin Reaves is nearing a return from a calf injury after a prolific stretch, a potential internal boost that has eased urgency for GM Rob Pelinka to make a short-term deal.