Lakers' new ownership may help Luka Doncic with an in-season trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have fallen to 17-7 and the fifth spot in the Western Conference.

Austin Reaves will miss a couple of weeks with an injury, LeBron James is just getting his legs back under him and the perimeter defense has been an issue. That's why the new front office might have to intervene to give Luka Doncic a helping hand. According to NBA insider Zach Lowe, the Mark Walters era might start with a trade to make the most of this core.

Lakers might be active in trade talks

"There's some buzz about: Could they sort make a fringe(y) trade to try to upgrade their roster? As this new ownership comes in, I think they're trying to maximize this team. I don't think they have enough to get Giannis, but I'm just throwing that out there," Lowe said on his podcast. 

Of course, there shouldn't be anything odd or worth reporting about a team wanting to make "a" trade. Lowe hints at the Lakers looking to make a splash in the trade market, even if that splash doesn't come in the shape of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

HC JJ Redick has hinted at getting Jarred Vanderbilt back in the rotation if the Lakers' defensive struggles continue. They could also use a defensive-minded big man or an upgrade at the backup point guard position.

The Lakers aren't that deep, and they may not be on the same level as the top four teams in the West right now. Still, we've seen this team pull strings and work its magic way too many times in the past. With a new ownership group looking to make a statement, they will be a team to keep a close eye on.