NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers is active in negotiating a trade for?

 

The Los Angeles Lakers have executed a sweeping roster transformation around franchise centerpiece Luka Dončić. Following high-profile additions like Walker Kessler to anchor the rim and Quentin Grimes to bolster perimeter containment, general manager Rob Pelinka has addressed several major positional needs. However, as training camp approaches, one glaring hole remains at starting power forward.

According to NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers' front office is actively exploring trade options to secure a two-way wing or forward who can shoot and defend at a high level.

"Lakers trading for a starter. I think they’re exploring that. They’re going to try to do that whether it’s now or at some point ahead of the trade deadline," Buha noted on his Buha’s Block podcast.

The Summer Pursuit: High Expectations Meets Asset Reality

The Lakers' search for an elite, starting-caliber power forward is not for a lack of aggressive effort. Los Angeles was linked to several prominent targets throughout the 2026 offseason—including high-upside options like Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson—but ultimately came up empty-handed.

Lakers’ Frontcourt Realignment & Search Grid:
[ Primary Floor General ] ---> Luka Dončić (High-Volume Pick-and-Roll Creator)
                                         +
[ Perimeter Defensive Anchor ] -> Quentin Grimes / Austin Reaves
                                         +
[ Interior Rim Protector ] ----> Walker Kessler ($130M Anchor)
                                         +
[ The Missing Piece ] ---------> Starting 3-and-D Power Forward (Active Search)

Acquiring a premier two-way forward in today's NBA requires substantial draft equity and salary ballast—two commodities the Lakers are severely depleted of after surrendering multiple future first-round picks to acquire Kessler.

As LakeShowLife.com analyst Maxwell Ogden pointed out, rushing into a desperate trade before seeing the current core in action could be a dangerous gamble:

"A starting-caliber forward who offers two-way value simply won’t be a low-cost target—and Los Angeles is painfully short on trade assets," Ogden explained. "Even if they somehow avoid paying a hefty price, rushing into the decision and parting with any outgoing assets would be ill-advised."

In-House Candidates: The Battle for the Fifth Starter Slot

If Rob Pelinka elects to exercise patience ahead of the February trade deadline, head coach JJ Redick must select a fifth starter from an eclectic mix of in-house rotational candidates.

In-House Power Forward Candidates:
• Jake LaRavia & Ziaire Williams: Perimeter floor-spacing & versatile wing length
• Sandro Mamukelashvili: High-IQ frontline passing & stretch-5 versatility
• Jarred Vanderbilt: Stifling point-of-attack defense (limited perimeter shooting)
• Matisse Thybulle: All-Defensive perimeter containment
• Adou Thiero: High-energy, developmental athleticism

Buha identified up to six players currently on the roster who could compete for the fifth starting job during training camp: Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jarred Vanderbilt, Matisse Thybulle, and rookie Adou Thiero.

While none of these options provide the proven star power of prior frontcourt staples, leaning into an internal competition allows Redick to evaluate how the new pieces coexist alongside Dončić and Kessler before committing precious trade assets.

Related Article: NBA Trade Rumors: New York could do this blockbuster deal!