Lakers Tease 3 and D Upgrade For Luka Doncic

Merlin sees the Lakers as cautious hunters at the trade deadline. With a core of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles is unlikely to trade all its best pieces for a superstar. As Zach Lowe put it, "There's been this dichotomy" between standing pat and wiring the roster for a megadeal. Marc Stein adds the team prefers a young 3 and D player like Keon Ellis rather than an expensive veteran such as Herb Jones, and team voices say patience could pay off. Merlin senses logic in waiting. JJ Redick has "really got on us" defensively, and the front office may learn more about needs as the season unfolds. New ownership wants to maximize the window, so a measured move for a shooter or defender makes more sense than a panic trade.