The Feb. 5 trade deadline is right around the corner, meaning fans should expect the Los Angeles Lakers and several other franchises to make meaningful moves.
The Lakers aren’t opposed to bolstering their wing depth, likely making ESPN’s latest four-team trade proposal involving Anthony Davis a legitimate possibility. The massive multi-team trade idea would land the franchise a declining Golden State Warriors guard.
“Davis would be the rim threat as a roll man the Warriors have long sought,” ESPN wrote Thursday. “They could also save money this season by structuring this as a multiteam deal, sending (Buddy) Hield to a third team. In this case, he goes to the rival Lakers to supply the shooting threat they need.”
ESPN’s full trade proposal sends Davis and Mason Plumlee to the Warriors; Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks; Hield to the Lakers; and Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets.
Hield’s trade value is as low as it could be, 25 games into the season. Considering the 32-year-old doesn’t offer much resistance on the defensive end, his three-point shooting is what helps him positively impact games for the Dubs.
When Hield isn’t on fire from deep, though, it’s challenging to justify giving him significant minutes on the hardwood. Unfortunately, Hield is struggling mightily from long range, as he’s a 30.5% three-point shooter thus far after finishing the 2024-25 campaign with a 37.0% long-range shooting percentage.
Still, the Oklahoma product has proven he can be a lethal perimeter threat when he’s in a zone, which could compel the Lakers to complete a risky trade.
Hield shot above 40% from distance during the first two months of last year’s season and helped the Dubs get off to a surprisingly fast start.
Time will tell if Hield emerges as a trade target for the 17-7 Lakers.
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