According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, a source inside the league sent out a text that read, “Everybody knows the Lakers are trying to do more even after this.” And honestly, that shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Swapping Anthony Davis for Dončić gave the Lakers a new franchise cornerstone, but it also left a gaping hole in the frontcourt.
Davis wasn’t just an elite scorer-he was L.A.’s defensive backbone, anchoring their paint protection and versatility. Neither Dončić nor LeBron James are known for their defense, and if the Lakers are serious about making a deep playoff run, they’ll need to shore up that end of the floor.
That’s why the Lakers have reportedly been doing their homework on Caleb Martin, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Martin, currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, has been battling injuries this season after signing a four-year, $35 million deal over the summer.
But when healthy, he’s the kind of high-energy, defensive-minded wing who thrives in big moments-just ask the Miami Heat, who rode his two-way play to the 2023 NBA Finals.
The Lakers’ primary need is clearly a big to help fill the void left by Davis, but after also losing Max Christie in the Dončić deal, adding another strong perimeter defender wouldn’t hurt. Martin fits the bill, but whether L.A. actually has the assets to make a deal with Philly is another question entirely.
The Lakers don’t have many players in the $4 million to $10 million salary range, making the logistics of a trade tricky. The Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in Martin, but their situation is complicated by the ongoing De’Aaron Fox trade rumors.
Even if Philadelphia decides to sell, Martin might not be the most likely piece to move. His contract still has two guaranteed years left, and while injuries have derailed his season, his ability to impact winning on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable long-term asset.
The Sixers have to think about next season, not just a short-term return.
The Lakers are clearly working the phones, but what they really need is another big man. Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are solid rotational pieces, but neither can replace Davis’ two-way dominance.
Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith and Austin Reaves provide some floor spacing, but L.A. could still use another knockdown shooter to fully weaponize Dončić and LeBron’s playmaking. The trade also brought in Maxi Kleber, a floor-spacing big who can help defensively, but he’s still recovering from foot surgery.
That makes his availability uncertain, leaving the Lakers in need of more frontcourt reinforcements before Thursday’s trade deadline. Pelinka isn’t done.
He already made one franchise-altering move, and now it’s about filling out the roster for a real championship run.
Whether that means landing a defensive-minded wing like Martin, adding another big, or finding another shooter, the Lakers are making it clear: this isn’t just about Dončić-they’re going all-in.
