The Los Angeles Lakers are facing criticism for their limited flexibility in upgrading their roster ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline, and a surprising figure has been singled out as part of the problem: LeBron James.
While James remains one of the most iconic players in league history, some analysts argue that his massive salary, combined with the Lakers’ lack of valuable trade assets, has handcuffed the franchise’s ability to improve defensively around stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
At the center of the debate is former NBA player Jeff Teague, who recently spoke on the Club 520 podcast, suggesting that James‘ $52.6 million expiring contract significantly limits Los Angeles’ trade options.
“They can’t get anybody defensively because ‘Bron takes up a lot of money,” Teague stated while questioning why the Lakers would consider moving a young, ascending Reaves while keeping a 40-year-old star with a no-trade clause.
The Lakers are clear on what they want: a quality wing defender to complement their backcourt. Despite their offensive firepower, Los Angeles ranks low in defensive efficiency and has allowed high point totals to underperforming teams, emphasizing the necessity of roster improvements.
However, the financial reality of James‘ contract, coupled with a shrinking pool of attractive assets, makes landing defensive talent a challenging proposition.
Lakers’ limited trade arsenal
The main obstacle is the lack of desirable trade assets. The Lakers currently have only one tradable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032, which, according to league sources, carries less value than previously expected.
Analysts suggest the pick has lost appeal since the acquisition of Doncic and with new owner Mark Walter’s reputation for organizational stability, reducing the chance that the Lakers’ future pick becomes a lottery opportunity.
In addition to this limited draft capital, Los Angeles’ other movable pieces are mostly expiring contracts, including players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, none of which generate significant trade interest.
Even sought-after defensive wings, such as New Orleans’ Herb Jones, remain difficult to acquire because rival teams are not convinced the Lakers’ current assets are enough to justify a trade.
With these limitations, the Lakers’ chances of improving before the deadline appear slim. The franchise may have to rely on internal player development or hope that James‘ continued on-court performance, along with Doncic and Reaves’ growth, can shift the trade market’s perception.
Until then, Los Angeles faces a delicate balance of maintaining competitiveness while navigating the obstacles that complicate their push for defensive reinforcements.
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