Lakers will 'focus on the buyout market' after trade deadline

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers make no moves before trade deadline, reportedly will 'focus on the buyout market'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/10/22

The 26-30 Los Angeles Lakers would be in the play-in portion of the Western Conference postseason bracket if the tournament began today and, thus, had been linked with all kinds of potential moves ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

However, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the Lakers either couldn't find a trade partner or elected against making a deal before 3:00 p.m. ET:

No deal for the Lakers, source tells ESPN. THey'll focus on the buyout market.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Following Tuesday's 131-116 thrashing at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported individuals within the Lakers admitted that "something must be done to get the team back on course with Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching."

Los Angeles then fell to a lackluster Portland Trail Blazers (22-34) side 107-105 on Wednesday evening.

"Obviously, this is something that's weighing on this group that we're all trying to get through," superstar LeBron James said of the then-approaching trade deadline following that defeat, per McMenamin. "Almost feels like it's a fog, just fog in the air. And we're all trying to see what's on the other side of it."

Russell Westbrook didn't play Wednesday due to tightness in his lower back, meaning the Lakers remained 10-8 on the season in games when James, Westbrook and Anthony Davis are in the lineup together.

They'll now have to hope that win percentage improves without the addition of a key figure via a trade.

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