NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a trade. Over their last five games alone, they have tallied a 1-4 record.

As for their last 20 games, the Lakers hold a 9-11 record.

Los Angeles is predicted to be big time players in the upcoming trade deadline, but they may not make a big splash like many expect them to.

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According to one Western Conference executive, the Lakers may look to 'bargain' shop as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.

More news: Why a Jonathan Kuminga–Lakers Trade Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds

ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst shared in their latest column.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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"They're going to be looking for bargain deals and they might be able to find one if they're willing to take on long-term money," one West general manager said. "But they probably need to make sure that player is a good fit with Luka to justify it."

Do the Lakers Have Enough Trade Capital to Make a Real Move?

There are plenty of bargain options for the Lakers out there, considering their current production level, team situation and contract status. Players who fit that bill that could help L.A. include Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga, Nets' Michael Porter Jr. and Trail Blazers' Robert Williams III.

The Lakers' trade assets are limited both in terms of the players they have and their draft capital.

"The Lakers have one tradable first-round pick and can trade up to five pick swaps, but they sit just $1.1 million below the first apron and aren't permitted to exceed it, leaving them little maneuverability to take on short-term money. If L.A. waits until July, it will have three tradable first-round picks, cap space and salary flexibility."

More news: Jonathan Kuminga-Lakers Rumors Heat Up After Latest Development

L.A. finds itself in a difficult position: the roster needs are significant, but the available assets don’t match what the market demands. That's been the case for the Lakers for the past number of years; however, president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has pulled off the impossible before.

Nonetheless, it will be an uphill battle for the Lakers as they will seek ways to upgrade their roster and remain in the mix in a loaded Western Conference.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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