It has been an up-and-down season thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers, though they do currently sit fifth in the Western Conference standings with a 26-16 record.
Of course, Los Angeles had high expectations entering the season thanks to their star trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, along with key offseason additions in Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
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Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic (77), LeBron James (23) and Austin Reaves (15).Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
(Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images)
Despite this, the Lakers have seen both James and Reaves miss extended periods due to injuries, which has caused Los Angeles to struggle at time this season, though they are still in the running for a top seed in the West midway through the year.
With the Lakers looking to compete for a top seed in the West this season, they may look to address some of their problems ahead of the trade deadline to upgrade their roster around their superstar trio.
Lakers Could Target Mavericks’ Klay Thompson to Upgrade Offense
Los Angeles has been linked to multiple players ahead of the trade deadline, though one player they could target is Dallas Mavericks guard and former Golden State Warriors champion Klay Thompson.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31).Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
Of course, the Mavericks are expected to make some major moves ahead of the trade deadline to help build for their future around Cooper Flagg and because of this, Thompson may be on the move.
Trade Idea Lands Lakers Klay Thompson, Sends Dalton Knecht to Mavericks.
In a potential trade, the Lakers could send Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Mavericks in exchange for Thompson.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
For Los Angeles, this trade could work out well for them as both Knecht and Vanderbilt have been in trade rumors and swapping them for a lethal 3-point shooter in Thompson could bolster their offense alongside their star trio.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31)Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
(Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images)
Thompson is a great scorer and outside shooter who would provide the Lakers with another reliable corer outside of their big three, especially with the injury problems they have had this season.
This season, the 35-year-old guard is averaging 12.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 39.0% from the field and 38.0% from three.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (right) Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
(Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
Of course, Thompson is no longer the star player that he was during his days with the Warriors where he helped them win four titles, though he is still a key role player who could help the Lakers either in the starting lineup or off the bench due to his scoring abilities.
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While this trade could work out well for the Lakers as adding Thompson would give them another much-needed scorer and outside shooting threat, Los Angeles may look elsewhere to upgrade their roster and they may target younger players to fit Doncic’s timeline.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.