The 2024 NBA trade deadline came and went Thursday, and the Los Angeles Lakers opted to stand pat instead of making a move. That is despite the fact that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are enjoying All-Star caliber seasons.
With the Lakers (27–25) sitting at the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference standings, many observers were expecting them to tinker with the roster ahead of the deadline. Instead, fans were confused by Los Angeles’s lack of activity.
Lakers fans in particular had to come to grips with the team’s decision to move forward with its roster intact.
Can't wait to be told that actually the Lakers were committed to winning this year because they didn't get under the luxury tax.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) February 8, 2024
People don’t want to hear it - myself included - but: the Russell Westbrook Trade (not Russell Westbrook) closed the LeBron title window with the Lakers.
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) February 8, 2024
Lakers potentially wasting a HEALTHY AND DOMINANT AD season by standing pat at the deadline.
— Ricky B. (@MrRickySpanish) February 8, 2024
I hate it here
With every passing year, it becomes clear that the Lakers botched the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era.
— JAKE (@KingJakeonX) February 8, 2024
Rob Pelinka better have a rabbit in the hat in the summer....that's all I'll say.
— Ry (@JustRyCole) February 8, 2024
Lakers was so hell bent and making sure it didn’t look like Lebron was “running things” they missed out on the right coach, let the lead assistant walk and didn’t trade for upgrades who were “Klutch clients” when opportunity presented.
— Y2Jody ???????? (@DVDJXX) February 8, 2024
Congrats to them
The Lakers at the trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/M4P8Og33JD
— The Pettiest Laker Fan ???? (@ThePettiestLA) February 8, 2024
Although Los Angeles didn’t make any trades, they still can upgrade through the buyout market. Players such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Marcus Morris, Robin Lopez and Kyle Lowry are all expected to reach contract buyouts and become available as free agents.
In the meantime, the Lakers play four more times before hitting the All-Star break next weekend. The Lakers play host to the defending-champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET and will wear special uniforms to salute franchise legend Kobe Bryant.
