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LA Lakers will only trade for certain type of players to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 10:50 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and their trade decisions will be based on the duo.

The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need to improve their roster, as it has become clear over the last few weeks that they don’t have a championship-level team.

The Lakers just escaped a loss against the Phoenix Suns, where their shoddy defense almost cost them a game where they were up by 20 points.

JJ Redick admitted the Lakers are defensively weak after their NBA Cup loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and those defensive weaknesses came back to haunt them tonight.

The Lakers’ front office knows that they need to fix the roster. But their specific demands for players they trade for might make any move in the coming months difficult.

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LA Lakers only want to trade for players the same age as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves

According to Marc Stein, the LA Lakers are reportedly looking to build their roster not just for this season, but for years to come.

As such, they are prioritizing landing players who are the same or near the ages of Luka Doncic (27) and Austin Reaves (28) going forward.

“Generally speaking, though, my read on the Lakers’ preferences is that they would like to target players in the same age range as stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as they continue building out the roster around them as opposed to surrendering prime trade assets for thirtysomethings.

“It’s an approach they leaned on in the offseason when the Lakers split their midlevel exception on Deandre Ayton (27) and Jake LaRavia (24).”

Do the LA Lakers have the best backcourt in the NBA?

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the 4th duo in 50 years to each record 30+ points in 3 straight games!

How far can this duo take the Lakers?

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LA Lakers seemingly priced out of Herb Jones trade

As far as the LA Lakers’ pursuit of Herb Jones is concerned, there isn’t any good news on the horizon for the front office.

According to Marc Stein, the Lakers won’t have the assets required to land Jones, as the Pelicans want a hefty price for the 3-and-D wing.

“We mentioned the other day that the Pelicans would insist on a significant haul to part with Herb Jones. Its price point is presumed to be beyond the Lakers’ current trade means.”

Herb Jones to the Lakers makes too much sense

Who says no?

Lakers recieve: Herb Jones

Pelicans receive: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber & 2031 first-round pick

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The Lakers need to be ready to part ways with some big assets in the future if they want to improve the team.

Rob Pelinka has been criticized over the last few years for being too frugal, and he can’t afford to waste Luka Doncic’s prime by trying to protect the team’s future.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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