Lakers Bargain Shopping Around Luka Doncic

Three weeks from the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Lakers are shopping for "bargain deals" rather than a blockbuster, according to ESPN. They can offer the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber (about $40.8 million) but cap limits make Anthony Davis all but unreachable, so any addition will need to be "a good fit with Luka." With few elite players expected to move, Los Angeles may largely roll with the roster that has started 24-15 despite injuries. Merlin sees a club trying to thread two timelines: squeeze value from what may be LeBron’s final Lakers season while not mortgaging Luka Dončić’s future. Expect small, smart moves like three years ago—role players who improve defense and spacing. If they find a cheap defender who meshes with Luka, the balance shifts. If not, they will rely on current chemistry and hope for healthier bodies.