The Los Angeles Lakers are quickly learning that the price of acquiring the type of 3-and-D specialist they covet will be difficult to justify. It's a dilemma that's due in some part to teams' knowledge that they can drive up the cost for such hot commodities, as well as the simple reality that they're too valuable to part with in the absence of a strong return.
As the Lakers come to terms with the reality brought on by years of inaction, their best move is to remain quiet at the trade deadline.
The New Orleans Pelicans provided one of the many devastating updates when they labeled Herbert Jones as effectively off limits despite rumored mutual interest. It was a move that directly impacted the Lakers, which had been linked to Jones in trade rumors.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, another name can be added to the list of untouchables: Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason.
"If you're hoping your team makes a play for Houston's Tari Eason ... prepare to be disappointed. Word was emphatically conveyed Monday that any Eason speculation is off target and that the Rockets' fourth-year forward is not available to interested teams in advance of this deadline."
Though there may ultimately prove to be 3-and-D specialists who are made available, the growing trend of top-tier supporting players being kept away from the market sends a clear message.
Lakers will have to pay a fortune for a top-tier 3-and-D player
Eason, 24, is the epitome of what the Lakers need. He's a 6'8" forward who can defend multiple positions, is shooting a mind-blowing 46.8 percent from beyond the arc, and has an expiring contract that could scare Houston into trading him and thus avoid the risk of losing him to free agency.
The Rockets appear confident in their ability to re-sign Eason to a reasonable contract, however, and will seemingly be assertive in doing so once he enters restricted free agency this coming summer.
It's a reflection of a developing mentality around the Association. Teams aren't just looking for their next big star, but understanding how 3-and-D specialists have become essential to team success no matter how talented the top-end players on the roster may be.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, they're behind the curve and in dire need of a point of attack defender who can take on opposing teams' best perimeter scorers.
Lakers have the first-round pick, cap space to make waiting worth it
Rui Hachimura has done an admirable job while playing in a role that doesn't necessarily suit him, but even he is a pending unrestricted free agent. That's put Los Angeles in a somewhat desperate position.
Though it's understandable for the Lakers to proceed with a sense of urgency, there simply isn't a buyer-friendly market for the player they need.
With this in mind, it would behoove Los Angeles to hold on to the lone draft pick it can trade and ensure that its influx of cap space in 2026 is protected. In that scenario, the Lakers could target a potential free agent such as Luguentz Dort or Eason with mere cash, or take back more salary in a trade to prevent having to give up draft compensation.
There may still be low-cost trades to consider for quality players, but if the Lakers are in the market for a top-tier 3-and-D specialist, they'll need to wait until the summer to avoid overpaying.