The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to a number of players ahead of the deadline, but new trade rumors hint at major difficulties with any move.

There have not been any major moves so far this NBA trade season, but fans are already firing off trade concepts.

Trade talks are heating up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Dillon Brooks is a name being discussed. The Lakers want to add a strong defender. Brooks fits the bill. He can guard top players. This would help LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

NBA trade rumors have fizzled out in New Orleans, but the Pelicans could still wind up fielding offers on their stars.

The trade deadline is now officially less than a month away and the Los Angeles Lakers once again are in need of moves to upgrade their roster. One name in particular they have been linked to is New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones,

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly only willing to sacrifice future financial flexibility at the trade deadline for a needle-mover.

The Los Angeles Lakers are out of the race on many top trade targets, and could face competition with a new player mentioned in trade rumors.

On January 6, 2026, the topic came up on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, where former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins suggested the Lakers trade Austin Reaves to the Phoenix Suns for Dillon Brooks. The idea surfaced shortly after Los Angeles picked up a 111–103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, adding context to the timing of the discussion.