The Los Angeles Lakers could solve their perimeter defensive weakness by trading for Aaron Nesmith before the Feb. 5 deadline. Nesmith's two-way impact just helped the Pacers reach the NBA Finals, but Indiana is facing a gap year. Tyrese Haliburton is out after tearing his Achilles, and Myles Turner left in free agency. The Pacers never want to pay the luxury tax and could look to cash in on Nesmith before he reaches free agency in 2027.
The Lakers signed Marcus Smart to be their defensive stopper, but his biggest impact will be bringing an intensity that the roster lacks.