According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, a league insider sent out a text message that said, “Everybody knows the Lakers are trying to do more even after this.” And, honestly, that shouldn’t surprise anyone.
While trading Anthony Davis for Dončić provided the Lakers with a new franchise cornerstone, it also left a significant vacancy in their frontcourt. Davis was more than simply an outstanding scorer; he was L.A.’s defensive bedrock, providing paint protection and variety. Dončić and LeBron James are not known for their defence. If the Lakers want to make a deep playoff run, they must improve on that end of the court.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Lakers have been doing their study on Caleb Martin. Martin, who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, has been dealing with ailments this season after signing a four-year, $35 million contract during the summer. But when healthy, he’s the type of high-energy, defensive-minded wing who excels in big moments–just ask the Miami Heat, who advanced to the NBA Finals in 2023 thanks to his two-way ability.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Lakers have been doing their study on Caleb Martin. Martin, who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, has been dealing with ailments this season after signing a four-year, $35 million contract during the summer. But when healthy, he’s the type of high-energy, defensive-minded wing who excels in big moments–just ask the Miami Heat, who advanced to the NBA Finals in 2023 thanks to his two-way ability.
The Lakers’ primary need is clearly a big to help fill the void left by Davis, but after also losing Max Christie in the Dončić deal, adding another strong perimeter defender wouldn’t hurt. Martin fits the bill, but whether L.A. actually has the assets to make a deal with Philly is another question entirely. The Lakers don’t have many players in the $4 million to $10 million salary range, making the logistics of a trade tricky. The Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in Martin, but their situation is complicated by the ongoing De’Aaron Fox trade rumors.
Even if Philadelphia decides to sell, Martin may not be the most likely player to depart. His contract still has two guaranteed years left, and while injuries have hampered his season, his ability to influence winning on both ends of the court makes him a great long-term asset. The Sixers must consider the following season, not simply their immediate return.
The Lakers are certainly on the phone, but they desperately need another big man. Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are effective rotation players, but neither can match Davis’ two-way domination. While Dorian Finney-Smith and Austin Reaves give some floor spacing, L.A. still needs another knockdown shooter to completely weaponise Dončić and LeBron’s playmaking.
The trade also included Maxi Kleber, a floor-spacing big who can assist defensively, but he is also recuperating from foot surgery. This puts his availability in doubt, putting the Lakers in need of more frontcourt reinforcements before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Pelinka isn’t finished. He’s already made one franchise-altering move, and now it’s time to round out the roster for a legitimate championship run. The Lakers are making it obvious that this isn’t just about Dončić; they’re going all-in, whether it’s bringing in a defensive-minded wing like Martin, adding another big, or finding a shooter.
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