Report: Lakers seeking to add 2nd star before deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers may soon be getting a much-needed shot in the arm.
The club is reportedly pursuing two types of deals ahead of the Feb. 7 trade deadline, including a potential blockbuster that would land them a second superstar, league sources told The Athletic's Bill Oram.
The Lakers are reportedly also considering shoring up their roster to pursue a playoff spot, but are prioritizing making a big play, even if that means dealing a combination of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma.
The club is pursuing any 3-point shooter on an expiring deal, a team source said. That group could include the likes of Wayne Ellington, Terrence Ross, Garrett Temple, and Trevor Ariza. The Lakers rank 29th in the NBA in 3-point percentage.
Ariza was part of the franchise's 2008-09 championship squad and was linked to the team earlier this season. The Lakers are unlikely to take on contracts beyond this season, Oram notes, and will look to shop Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who are all on expiring deals.
Oram mentions Orlando Magic star Nikola Vucevic as another potential target, but his price may be too steep.
With LeBron James sidelined, the Lakers have spiraled, dropping 10 of their last 15 games.