Lakers’ Path to Another Luka Dončić-Level Trade Heist Is Clear — and It Requires Going All-In

The Los Angeles Lakers have already pulled off one of the most shocking trade heists in modern NBA history by landing Luka Dončić. Now, with the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the front office wants lightning to strike twice.

But this time, the path is far less mysterious — and far more painful.

If the Lakers want another Luka-level move, there’s only one way to do it: empty the clip.

🔥 Lakers Know Exactly What They’re Missing

Los Angeles has exceeded expectations this season, but recent matchups exposed a glaring flaw: athleticism on the wing.

The Lakers won’t trade Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, or LeBron James — that much is clear. Yet despite having three stars, LA still lacks the type of elite two-way wing needed to survive playoff matchups against teams like Denver, Oklahoma City, and Houston.

And everyone in the building knows it.

🧠 Pelinka’s Blueprint Is Already on the Table

Rob Pelinka doesn’t need to get creative — he needs to be bold.

The Lakers’ realistic trade package includes:

• One first-round pick
• Multiple first-round pick swaps
• Dalton Knecht
• Adou Thiero
• Expiring contracts to match salary

That’s the entire toolbox.

With Mark Walter stepping in as the new owner, this could be the first deadline where ownership fully flexes its financial and competitive muscle. The message would be unmistakable: championship or bust.

😈 Remember: Nobody Saw the Luka Trade Coming Either

It’s easy to forget how impossible the Dončić deal once sounded.

Yet Pelinka somehow:

• Kept Austin Reaves
• Held onto one tradable first-round pick
• Acquired a top-four player in the world

All while sending out Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and just one first-round selection.

That deal reset expectations — and raised the bar.

🛡️ Why the Lakers Are Hunting Elite 3-and-D Wings

The Lakers have been linked to Herb Jones, and for good reason.

Jones is among the best defenders in the NBA, capable of guarding multiple positions while surviving offensively. But prying him from New Orleans won’t be easy.

The Pelicans would need to believe:

• Dalton Knecht is a long-term rotation piece
• Adou Thiero has upside worth developing
• Draft capital sweetens the rebuild

That’s a tough sell — but that’s the price of elite defense.

💰 The Expiring Contracts That Make This Possible

The Lakers have $44.2 million in expiring salary available, including:

• Rui Hachimura
• Gabe Vincent
• Maxi Kleber
• Jaxson Hayes

Los Angeles would prefer to keep Rui for his shot-making, but draft picks from 2031 or 2032 don’t carry infinite value. Other teams may demand a player like Hachimura to flip for additional assets.

That’s the leverage point.

⏳ Why Waiting Isn’t an Option

The timeline is unforgiving:

• Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are in their primes
• LeBron James turns 41 at the end of December
• The West is only getting faster and more physical

Standing pat isn’t neutral — it’s falling behind.

🏆 Pelinka’s Deadline Track Record Inspires Belief

Since 2023, Pelinka has:

• Orchestrated the Russell Westbrook exit
• Built a roster that reached the 2023 Western Conference Finals
• Shocked the league with the Luka Dončić trade

History says he doesn’t blink when the moment demands aggression.

🎯 The Only Way Another Heist Happens

If the Lakers want another trade deadline miracle, the formula is simple:

• All expiring contracts
• Every movable young player
• Every tradable draft asset

That may be just enough to land the missing piece for a deep playoff run.

Now it’s on Rob Pelinka and the front office to identify the right target — and have the courage to pull the trigger.

Because if history has taught Lakers fans anything, it’s this:

When Pelinka goes all-in, something big usually happens.