THE TRANSFER OF THE CENTURY: Lakers Set to Shock the NBA with Blockbuster Moves for Three Elite Stars?

The Los Angeles Lakers are in crisis mode. After dropping their third straight game—a humiliating 112-124 loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings on January 12, 2026—the Purple and Gold have fans and analysts alike questioning everything.

Despite a heroic 42-point performance from Luka Dončić, the team’s defensive woes and poor shooting (just 8-of-36 from three) exposed glaring weaknesses. Head coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words post-game, pointing to the Lakers’ inability to convert open looks and contain opponents as the recurring theme dragging them down.

With the team sitting at 23-14 and fifth in the Western Conference, pressure is mounting under new majority owner Mark Walter.

The former Dodgers executive, who acquired controlling stake in the Lakers in late 2025, has already shown a willingness to shake things up—firing key front-office figures and bringing in Dodgers executives for a more aggressive approach.

Now, whispers are growing louder: the Lakers are gearing up for what could be dubbed “The Transfer of the Century.”

In the wake of this three-game skid, sources close to the organization suggest JJ Redick and Mark Walter have privately discussed aggressive moves ahead of the February 5, 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The goal? Bolster the roster with three of the world’s absolute best players to transform this star-studded but defensively challenged squad into legitimate title contenders. While no official announcement has dropped yet, the buzz is electric, and fans are already speculating wildly.

To fuel the fire, let’s reveal three blockbuster names that could realistically land in LA if the Lakers go all-in.

These aren’t pipe dreams—they align with current trade rumors, salary-cap realities (the Lakers are hard-capped below the first apron with limited space), and the team’s desperate need for perimeter defense, size, and shooting.

1. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors) The athletic forward has been on the Lakers’ radar since the offseason. Reports indicate LA inquired about Kuminga during his restricted free agency drama and has continued monitoring his situation.

At 23, Kuminga brings explosive athleticism, size (6’8″), and improving defense—exactly what the Lakers crave to shore up their perimeter resistance. Pairing him with Luka Dončić and LeBron James could create a dynamic frontcourt trio capable of switching everything.

Trade packages involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and protected picks have been floated in similar discussions. If the Warriors’ internal tensions persist, Kuminga could be the splash acquisition that reignites LA’s defense.

2. Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings) One of the most realistic and frequently mentioned targets, Ellis is a lockdown 3-and-D guard who fits perfectly into JJ Redick’s system.

The Lakers rank near the bottom in defensive rating since December, and Ellis—known for his “laser” perimeter defense and hustle—could provide immediate help without breaking the bank. Mock trades suggest a package centered on Dalton Knecht plus seconds could get it done.

With the Kings open to reshaping their roster, Ellis represents a low-risk, high-reward move that addresses LA’s biggest flaw: point-of-attack defense.

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) For the ultimate home-run swing, whispers point to Jaren Jackson Jr. as a dream target.

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year candidate brings elite rim protection, switchability, and stretch-four shooting—ideal to complement Ayton in the frontcourt and allow LeBron and Luka more freedom offensively.

Agent Rich Paul has reportedly urged the Lakers to pursue Jackson amid Memphis’ potential roster shakeup (especially with Ja Morant rumors swirling). A blockbuster involving Austin Reaves has been discussed in insider circles, though it would be a massive gamble.

If pulled off, this would instantly make the Lakers one of the league’s top defensive units while maintaining championship-level scoring.

These three players represent a perfect blend: youth, defense, versatility, and upside. Landing even one or two could catapult the Lakers from playoff hopefuls to serious contenders, especially with Luka Dončić (averaging monster numbers) and LeBron James (still defying Father Time) leading the charge.

Of course, challenges remain. The Lakers’ limited assets and hard-cap situation mean any deal must be surgically precise. Rob Pelinka, still at the helm of basketball operations, faces scrutiny, but Mark Walter’s win-now mentality (honed from Dodgers success) suggests he’s ready to spend and trade aggressively.

Fans are stunned—and rightfully so. Could this be the moment the Lakers go nuclear? With the trade deadline looming and the team reeling from back-to-back-to-back losses, the clock is ticking.

If JJ Redick and Mark Walter deliver on these rumored pursuits, “The Transfer of the Century” might not be hyperbole—it could be history in the making.