The Lakers are stacking around Luka Dončić with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, while weighing Maxi Kleber’s future. Rob Pelinka surveys a trade-deadline window, aiming to add Gabe Vincent and Kleber on expiring deals to boost shooting and defense without destabilizing Dončić’s comfort zone. The plan hinges on a precise balance of upside and chemistry, with a February move likely to define the ceiling of this duo-anchored core.

Vincent alongside Kleber could unlock spacing for Dončić’s playmaking, while Ayton provides rim protection and finishing at the rim. If Pelinka preserves Dončić’s happiness, he may hesitate to move Kleber midseason, but both expiring contracts keep the Lakers active in pursuit of a true rotation upgrade.