NBA Trade Deadline Aftermath: Lakers Make Final Push for Playoff Position

The Los Angeles Lakers are making the most of their trade deadline acquisitions as they enter the crucial final months of the 2025-26 NBA season. With less than two months remaining in the regular season, the Lakers sit in eighth place in the competitive Western Conference, just 2.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Sacramento Kings.

The team's recent 118-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers showcased the immediate impact of their deadline moves. Newly acquired forward Marcus Morris Sr. contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds in his third game with the purple and gold, providing the veteran leadership and playoff experience that head coach Darvin Ham has been seeking all season.

"Marcus brings that championship pedigree we needed," Ham said in his post-game interview. "His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions gives us different lineup combinations we can use down the stretch and potentially in the playoffs."

The Lakers also bolstered their bench depth by acquiring guard Reggie Jackson from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash considerations. Jackson, who previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers, brings familiarity with the Western Conference and has averaged 12.4 points and 5.1 assists since joining his new team.

Anthony Davis continues to anchor the Lakers' championship aspirations, averaging 28.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game since the All-Star break. The eight-time All-Star has been particularly dominant on the defensive end, helping the Lakers improve their defensive rating to 108.9 over their last 10 games.

LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season, has shown remarkable durability and continues to facilitate at an elite level with 7.8 assists per game. The 41-year-old superstar has embraced a more distributor role, allowing Davis to be the primary offensive focal point while still contributing 23.1 points per game.

The Lakers face a challenging remaining schedule with games against the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors still on tap. However, the team's recent 7-3 record in their last 10 games suggests they are peaking at the right time. With their trade deadline additions now fully integrated into the rotation, the Lakers appear positioned to make noise in what promises to be a highly competitive Western Conference playoff race.