Los Angeles plans to be aggressive ahead of the February trade deadline, adding Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to shore up the frontcourt and perimeter defense. Jaxson Hayes could lose minutes as Ayton takes the starting center role, while the team weighs further 3-and-D wings. With LeBron James near the end of his Lakers tenure, the organization is ready to pounce on the right deal to chase a championship, even if stand-pat remains an option to reload for Giannis or Jokic next summer. For fantasy managers, expect rotation volatility around the deadline as the Lakers reshuffle for max win-now impact.

Ayton's arrival should lift FG% and rebounds, Smart boosts steals and 3s, and Hayes' role could shrink unless injuries or rest days open a path back to meaningful minutes. The rumors suggest a mix of midseason moves and a longer-term pursuit, making February a pivotal inflection point for fantasy projections across the roster.