Trade Update: The Lakers have officially pulled out of the race for a $179 million forward, signaling a shift in their offseason priorities. One key concern ultimately pushed Los Angeles to step back, reshaping how the front office plans to build the roster moving forward.

Lakers Unlikely to Pursue Michael Porter Jr. as Trade Deadline Nears

As the February 5 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers have quietly shifted from being perceived as a passive observer to one of the league’s most closely watched teams. Early in the season, the prevailing belief around the NBA was that Los Angeles would operate conservatively, constrained by limited trade assets and a desire to maintain financial flexibility.

That narrative is beginning to change.

League sources now indicate that general manager Rob Pelinka has been actively surveying the market, exploring opportunities to improve the roster without compromising the franchise’s long-term vision. While the Lakers are expected to remain opportunistic rather than aggressive, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: they are being selective about where—and how—they spend their resources.

And that selectivity appears to have ruled out one of the most productive names currently circulating in trade rumors.

Lakers Not Interested in Michael Porter Jr., per Report

Despite months of league-wide speculation linking Michael Porter Jr. to multiple teams, the Lakers are not expected to enter the bidding.

According to ClutchPoints NBA reporter Brett Siegel, Los Angeles has no intention of pursuing a trade for the high-scoring forward, even amid his breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets.

“The talk of the Los Angeles Lakers possibly throwing their hat in the mix for Porter isn’t a realistic possibility and something they do not have a desire to do,” Siegel reported, citing league sources. “The Lakers have signaled that they do not want to take on big money at this time, regardless of how many years a player has left on their contract.”

That stance speaks volumes about how the Lakers are approaching the deadline—not as a desperate buyer, but as a franchise focused on fit, flexibility, and future leverage.

Michael Porter Jr.’s Breakout Season in Brooklyn

From a purely basketball standpoint, Porter Jr. has been outstanding.

Acquired from the Denver Nuggets last offseason, the former lottery pick has enjoyed the most productive stretch of his career with Brooklyn. Through 34 games, Porter is averaging:

25.3 points per game
7.4 rebounds
3.2 assists
1.0 steal
48.1% shooting from the field
39.6% from three-point range on 9.5 attempts per game

Those numbers place him among the league’s most efficient high-volume scorers and have naturally drawn interest from teams seeking offensive firepower.

However, for the Lakers, scoring is not the issue.

Roster Fit: Why Porter Jr. Doesn’t Solve the Lakers’ Biggest Problems

When healthy, the Lakers’ offense already revolves around Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Adding another high-usage scorer—especially one who thrives with the ball—would do little to address Los Angeles’ most pressing needs.

What the Lakers are prioritizing instead:

Two-way wings
Perimeter defense
Athleticism
Lineup versatility

Porter Jr., while an elite shooter and scorer, does not significantly elevate the Lakers defensively and would command touches that might disrupt offensive balance rather than enhance it.

In short, talent alone isn’t enough. Fit matters more.

Salary Cap Concerns Drive Lakers’ Decision-Making

Beyond on-court considerations, financial flexibility appears to be the defining factor shaping Los Angeles’ deadline strategy.

Porter Jr. is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $179.2 million contract, earning:

$38.3 million in 2025–26
$40.8 million in 2026–27

That contract alone places him outside the Lakers’ comfort zone.

ESPN insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst recently reported that the Lakers are unlikely to pursue blockbuster trades, instead focusing on value-driven moves that preserve cap space.

“They’re going to be looking for bargain deals,” Bontemps and Windhorst relayed from a Western Conference executive, “and they might be able to find one if they’re willing to take on long-term money.”

The key phrase there: if they’re willing.

So far, the Lakers are signaling that they are not.

Lakers Guarding Future Cap Space Carefully

Los Angeles is currently positioned just $1.1 million below the first apron, severely limiting their ability to take on additional salary during the season.

Bontemps and Windhorst further detailed the constraints:

“They aren’t permitted to exceed it, leaving them little maneuverability to take on short-term money. If L.A. waits until July, it will have three tradable first-round picks, cap space and salary flexibility.”

That future flexibility is critical.

The Lakers are projected to have more than $55 million in cap space this summer, a war chest that could be far more impactful than a midseason splash.

The Cost of a Porter Jr. Trade Would Be Steep

In theory, Los Angeles could match Porter Jr.’s salary by combining multiple expiring contracts, including:

Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million)
Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million)
Maxi Kleber ($11 million)

But matching salary is only part of the equation.

Brooklyn is reportedly seeking up to two first-round picks in any Porter Jr. deal. For the Lakers, that’s a non-starter.

Currently, Los Angeles controls only one tradable first-round pick (either 2031 or 2032). While Pelinka has explored creative ways to restructure that asset into multiple picks, using it on a high-priced scorer does not align with the team’s broader strategy.

Bigger Fish Looming on the Horizon

Perhaps the most telling reason for the Lakers’ restraint is what lies ahead.

Around the league, executives are monitoring growing uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. While no formal trade request has emerged, the mere possibility of a superstar becoming available has caused several teams—including the Lakers—to guard their flexibility closely.

Maintaining cap space, draft capital, and movable contracts allows Los Angeles to pivot quickly if a true franchise-altering opportunity presents itself.

Michael Porter Jr., productive as he is, does not meet that threshold.

What the Lakers Are Likely to Do Instead

As the deadline approaches, expect the Lakers to:

Explore low-cost defensive upgrades
Target rotation-level wings
Avoid long-term salary commitments
Preserve draft capital

Rather than swinging for headlines, Pelinka appears intent on positioning the franchise for maximum leverage—both at the deadline and beyond.

Final Takeaway

The Lakers’ decision to rule out a Michael Porter Jr. trade is not a reflection of his talent, but a clear signal of organizational discipline.

In a season defined by cap restrictions, evolving timelines, and long-term ambition, Los Angeles is choosing patience over pressure. With significant cap space on the horizon and future star movement looming, the Lakers are keeping their powder dry.

As February 5 approaches, one thing is certain: the Lakers will make moves—but only on their terms.