Predicting 3 big buyers and 3 fire sellers of the 2025 NBA trade deadline
By Dre Gibbs
Buyers #3: Los Angeles Lakers
When are the Lakers not buyers at the deadline? Expect Rob Pelinka to be active. Lebron James only has so much time left, and if there’s an opportunity to make a move, Pelinka will jump on it. As mentioned above, two years ago, their moves at the deadline sparked a long playoff run. They might need a similar spark this deadline to capitalize on James's final years.
Pelinka was relatively inactive this offseason. The only additions to the roster were rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. JJ Reddick was hired as the new Coach, which could be nice shift in energy as Dawrwin Ham received criticism all throughout the year.
The Lakers are hopeful Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish, and Christian Wood can stay healthy. The Lakers didn’t have a single game last year with a fully healthy roster, so there’s optimism there.
However, if they’re struggling come the trade deadline, Pelinka will have no choice but to make a move, and one can assume everyone will be available except James and Anthony Davis. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimaura, and Jarred Vanderbilt have good trade value and could garner some attention. Newly hired coach JJ Reddick has his hands full, and they must get off to a good start, or chaos can ensue.