The NBA trade deadline is approaching fast! The Lakers have $40 million available—are star players on the way?

The annual trade deadline is drawing near, with fewer than 20 days remaining. LeBron’s supporters are eagerly awaiting, wishing the team could acquire a couple of impactful players to help seize the championship in his final one or two seasons, securing a fifth ring and a dignified retirement.

Yesterday, ESPN outlined possible actions the Lakers might take before the trade deadline. According to league insiders, the Lakers have been actively pursuing trades to boost their perimeter shooting and rim protection. The combined expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and JaVale McGee total around $40 million, which could be used in trade maneuvers. However, the Lakers face a dilemma between two timelines and remain conflicted.

On one hand, the Lakers want to maximize their championship chances during 41-year-old LeBron James’ final career phase, but trading those expiring contracts for short-term gains might limit the team’s flexibility in rebuilding around Luka Dončić. On the other hand, if LeBron leaves or retires after this season, the Lakers could still re-sign Austin Reaves and maintain about $50 million in salary cap space for future acquisitions.

Currently, the Lakers hold only one tradable first-round pick and can execute up to five pick swaps, but their total salary is just $1.1 million below the luxury tax threshold, which the league prohibits crossing. Thus, they have almost no room to absorb short-term contracts. However, if they wait until July, they will have three tradable first-round picks and ample salary cap space. A Western Conference GM commented, “The Lakers will look for cost-effective trades; if a team accepts a long-term deal, they might gain something. But the Lakers must ensure the player fits perfectly with Dončić, making the risk worthwhile.”

If you were in the Lakers’ front office, what would you do? Stand pat and make minor improvements, then rebuild around Dončić starting this July after LeBron departs? Or focus on the present, disregard future rebuilding, and go all-in for a championship that lets LeBron retire with glory?

Based on past trends, the Lakers will likely make only minor moves before the deadline. But this time is different—LeBron is nearing retirement. If the Lakers hesitate now, it would be crazy. Let’s hope they act quickly.

Although LeBron’s influence on the court isn’t as dominant as before, the Lakers at least have Dončić as a reliable backup, allowing LeBron to continue performing efficiently. Since 2026 began, only three NBA players have reached 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists:

LeBron James in his 23rd season (7 games)

Luka Dončić in his 8th season (8 games)

Jalen Johnson in his 5th season (8 games)

So far this season, among players with at least 20 games played, LeBron leads the league in fast-break points per game, averaging 6.0 points.

The Lakers had no game today, and LeBron posted multiple updates on social media, starting with a photo of himself playing golf captioned: “My escape space.”

Then he shared a video of his cold water recovery session, accompanied by a bunch of icy emojis.

Finally, on his way home, he was jamming to music in the car, nodding his head and enjoying himself.

In truth, many fans don’t expect the Lakers to land any big stars; they just wish LeBron stays healthy and happy through these remaining one or two seasons. Maybe he will announce retirement after this season or choose to play one more year elsewhere as a free agent.