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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly plan to be active before the trade deadline, with a 3-and-D player among their priorities.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers “would naturally like to be in the 3-and-D market,” though the market is limited, with the market “headlined” by Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis.
The New Orleans Pelicans also have a 3-and-D player available, but Stein noted that the cost for Herb Jones is “presumed to be beyond the Lakers’ current trade means.”
Ellis, 25, hasn’t seen as much action this year, playing 17 minutes per game as opposed to the 24.4 minutes he played last season. He’s putting up 5.3 points per game.
Jones, who agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension over the offseason, is posting 9.6 points and 1.5 steals per game.
Whether the Lakers go for Ellis, Jones or another player, Stein noted that they are hoping to land players around the same age as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, keeping the focus on building a roster capable of competing both now and in the future.
Los Angeles has enjoyed a solid 17-7 start to the season, but it clearly sees some areas that need improving before the deadline.