The 2024 NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, scheduled for February 8th, and it’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make some significant moves.

What’s clear is the Lakers’ desire for specific additions to their roster: a player who can provide an offensive boost and a reliable backup big man.

While numerous options are available, the question remains: which teams would be willing to offer the Lakers what they require?

According to insights from Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, the Washington Wizards emerge as a potential trade partner capable of addressing the Lakers’ needs. Specifically, the focus centers around point guard Tyus Jones and center Daniel Gafford.

These two players currently find themselves in a challenging situation with the struggling Washington Wizards, who seem to be leaning more towards a strategy of rebuilding and tanking rather than prioritizing immediate success.

First, let’s take a closer look at Tyus Jones, a skilled point guard who honed his craft at Duke University. Despite the Wizards’ struggles, Jones has managed to maintain a productive season.

He boasts averages of 12.5 points per game on an impressive 51.3% shooting from the field and a remarkable 41.3% from beyond the arc. Additionally, Jones contributes 5.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Such stats underscore his value as a capable playmaker and scorer, qualities that the Lakers could certainly benefit from.

Turning our attention to Daniel Gafford, we find a dependable big man whose attributes align perfectly with the Lakers’ requirements for a backup center.

Gafford consistently grabs 7.6 rebounds per game, an essential skill in the paint, while also showcasing his shot-blocking prowess with an average of 2.1 blocks in just 26 minutes of play.

What’s more, Gafford boasts an outstanding 68.5% shooting efficiency, ranking second in the league in this regard. This efficiency in the post and around the rim makes him an appealing option for the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.

While the exact price tag for acquiring Tyus Jones and Daniel Gafford remains unknown, it’s clear that these players possess the attributes and skills that the Lakers desperately need to bolster their roster.

As the trade deadline looms less than three weeks away, all eyes will be on the Lakers and their pursuit of these potential game-changing additions.