The Lakers trade for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in exchange for D'Angelo Russell was expected to breathe new life into a team fighting for relevance in the tightly contested Western Conference. However, the Lakers have lost three of their last five games.
That includes a crushing defeat to a depleted Mavericks squad missing Luka Dončić, Daniel Gafford, and Kyrie Irving. This string of losses has raised concerns among fans about the team’s new rotation.
A game against a depleted Mavericks squad shouldn’t just be a win for the Lakers—it should’ve been a statement, not a blowout loss. Charles Barkley didn’t hold back, saying on live TV, “The Lakers stink.”
Fans know the front office isn’t going to take the bad press lightly—prestige in LA is everything. JJ Redick, though, blames the players, calling out their struggles with isolation plays and rotations. With all the noise, it’s starting to feel like a trade might be coming.
Who stays and who goes for the Los Angeles Lakers?
LeBron James remains untouchable as an NBA icon, and his legacy ensures his place in purple and gold. Moreover, the king has a no-trade clause to protect his throne. He will likely protect his son Bronny James from being traded as well.
Likewise, Anthony Davis, the future leader of the franchise, is expected to stick around as LeBron’s heir apparent. Austin Reaves cemented his value to the team with a game-winning shot against the Warriors on Christmas Day, proving he's a player worth keeping.
Rui Hachimura’s underwhelming six-point performance against the Mavericks could make him a trade target. Dalton Knecht, the early-season standout who dropped 38 points as a starter against the Jazz, has struggled to maintain consistency from the bench, potentially putting his spot in jeopardy.
The Lakers are under pressure to make further improvements.
While reports suggest both are currently safe, the Lakers are running out of valuable trade assets and may feel the pressure to make a bold move to recover their public image. Finney-Smith is proving why the Lakers brought him into the fold, showing consistent improvement and making a strong case as a clear upgrade over Hachimura.
As he inches closer to earning a starting role, the front office might see an opening to trade Hachimura, one of their pricier assets. While such a move could stir debate, the Lakers’ management—well-versed in navigating fan reactions—would likely present it as a calculated play to bolster depth and balance.
Max Christie has solidified himself as a key contributor following his breakout 28-point performance against the Trail Blazers. His growing impact on team balance has cemented his value to the Lakers moving forward.
Back in November, JJ shared that he had a conversation with Christie, reportedly assuring him that if he continued to perform well, he wouldn’t find himself off the court. This rise in Christie's role likely means Dalton Knecht’s Laker's journey will continue from the bench for now.
Knecht’s talent hasn’t flown under the radar—plenty of teams might love to give him a starting role. With James’ retirement possibly around the corner, the Lakers could shift into full "win-now" mode, potentially using one of their top young prospects as a trade chip to chase another title. For gritty Gabe Vincent and the rest of the bench, the trade deadline could be huge if the Lakers keep Rui and Knecht and shake things up.