NBA Trade Deadline Shakeup: Lakers Acquire All-Star Guard in Blockbuster Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA today by completing a major trade deadline acquisition, landing All-Star guard Marcus Thompson from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a package headlined by young forward Rui Hachimura and multiple draft picks.

The deal, finalized just hours before the 3 PM ET deadline, represents the Lakers most significant mid-season move since acquiring Russell Westbrook in 2021. Thompson, averaging 22.4 points and 6.8 assists per game this season, provides the Lakers with another proven scorer alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed confidence in the move during a hastily arranged press conference. Thompson brings playoff experience and clutch gene that we believe can put us over the top, Pelinka stated. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others makes him an ideal fit alongside LeBron and AD.

The 28-year-old Thompson has been Portland leading scorer for three consecutive seasons and brings a championship pedigree, having won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2018. His arrival immediately upgrades the Lakers backcourt depth and provides head coach Darvin Ham with more offensive flexibility.

Portland, meanwhile, continues their rebuild around young talents Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. The Trail Blazers received Hachimura, veteran guard Gabe Vincent, and two future second-round picks in the deal. Portland GM Joe Cronin emphasized the long-term vision: This trade aligns with our timeline and gives us additional assets to build around our young core.

The Lakers, currently sitting seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-25 record, view Thompson as the missing piece for a playoff push. With James turning 41 this season, the organization feels pressure to maximize their championship window while their superstar remains at an elite level.

Thompson is expected to make his Lakers debut Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns, potentially forming a dynamic trio that could reshape the Western Conference playoff picture heading into the final stretch of the regular season.