The 3-and-D market is shaping up to be rather lackluster ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. That makes Ochai Agbaji one of the more attractive names who is quietly available. If the Toronto Raptors wing had dreams of joining the Los Angeles Lakers, he did himself few favors on Sunday.
A duel In Los Angeles ended with the Lakers securing a comfortable 110-93 win over the Raptors. Luka Doncic and company cruised after a slow first quarter and left no doubt by night's end. Unfortunately for Agbaji, the four-year pro did not enjoy that same time of success in a potential audition.
Agbaji finished the night with 25 minutes played, zero points, shooting 0-of-5 from the field and 0-of-3 from beyond the arc, three rebounds, and one assist. It was certainly not the type of game that stands out to a trade suitor ahead of Feb. 5.
Agbaji did not play in the earlier meeting between these two sides on Dec. 4 in Toronto. There will still be plenty of film available to scout apart from these specific head-to-head matchups. However, as far as in-person impressions go, the Lakers' close-up look left a lot to be desired.
Ochai Agbaji picked the worst possible night to disappear against the Lakers
Agbaji being only 25 years old still makes him one of the better options that should be available on the trade market before the deadline. And make no mistake about it, the soon-to-be free agent will be there for the taking. NBA insider Michael Scotto has reported as much repetitively.
Scotto wrote, "Simultaneously, Toronto has gauged the trade market with Ochai Agbaji in an attempt to duck the luxury tax, as previously reported by HoopsHype."
With the Lakers fixating on the bigger picture, a fringe roster move has been suggested as something closer to what they would desire before February. Acquiring Agbaji and his expiring $6.4 million fits the description. It would also give Los Angeles his restricted free agent rights for the summer.
After a breakout season in 2024-25, Agbaji has come crashing back down to earth during the current campaign. Ochai has averaged only 4.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game. The Raptors swingman has shot 41.2 percent from the field an 20.7 from deep on 1.7 attempts a night.
Realistically, the underwhelming performance should not be a nail in the coffin for him. However, it did not help his chances of finding a new home in Los Angeles either.